42nd Force Support Squadron embraces Year of the Air Force Family

Published Oct. 16, 2009
By Chloe Gibbs
42nd Force Support Squadron Marketing & Publicity

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Year of the Air Force Family will be observed through July 2010, and the 42nd Force Support Squadron has several upcoming activities and programs geared towards families.

Upcoming October events include today's Gunter Fun Fest and Gunter Youth Center's Family Fall Festival; Maxwell Youth Center's Family Fall Festival on Oct. 30; Gunter Youth's Make a Difference Day on Oct. 24; and a Children's Halloween Party on Oct. 30 at Maxwell Bowling.

November will also be a busy month for the observance.

Gunter Youth Center will host a variety of activities, including a Month of the Military Family Photo/Essay Contest Nov. 1-17; the Torch/Keystone Club Family Appreciation Thanksgiving Dinner; Fit Factor; and a Week of Military Family Activities running Nov. 2-6. The U Got Talent Family and Teen Talent Show registration runs Nov. 2-20 for the event scheduled January 2010.

Maxwell Youth Center will give back with Treats for Troops and a holiday canned food drive. Both collections are planned for Nov. 2-20 at the Maxwell Youth Center from 2 to 7 p.m.

The Officers' Club will host a Thanksgiving Day Buffet on Nov. 26. Seatings will be at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. There will be children pricing, and children 3 and under are free. Reservations are required by Nov. 20.

Retiree Appreciation Day will be held on Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Honor Guard Hangar, Bldg. 842.

For more information on all the events and activities, see the bimonthly 42nd Force Support Squadron magazine, Touch & Go, or visit www.maxwellservices.us.

In announcing the observance, Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force and Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, called the Air Force family "as dynamic and diverse as the unique Airmen and families it encompasses." They said the family not only include active-duty, Reserve and Guard component members, civilians, spouses and children, but also parents, friends and community partners "who, through everyday actions, provide our Airmen a firm foundation of guidance and support."

42nd FSS will continue to develop and offer programs and activities to support and promote the Year of the Air Force Family over the course of the year.