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PHOTO ESSAY: Family Day

  • Published
  • By Public Affairs staff
  • 419th Fighter Wing
Families of reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing met at Centennial Park Sunday for the wing's Family Day, which serves to thank family members for their support.

The event offered games, activities and information booths with representatives from Tricare, American Red Cross and Military One Source, among others.

Family Day kicked off with a tour of members' work centers before the families hit the park.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for families to better understand what goes on during every UTA," said Lt. Col. Barbara Godsey, wing's process manager and Family Day coordinator.

One of those family members, Natalie Henrie, wife of Maj. Jason Henrie of the 419th Communication Squadron, said the event helped her see her spouse's service in a whole new light.

"Seeing his work center and all the different equipment he used made me realize how equipment-based his job is and how much knowledge you need to do the job," Mrs. Henrie said.

The Henries' son, Cutler, said he liked the fire truck and model airplanes but he most enjoyed the games.

"I kicked the soccer ball in the goal and won a toy airplane," Cutler said.

Children also got an in-depth look at what their parents go through during a deployment at the mock-deployment line. There were also carnival games, a bouncy house and face painting for the little ones.

By that afternoon, Family Day was in full swing as families munched on hotdogs and hamburgers, then gathered to watch the main attractions - the tomahawk throw and the security forces weapons table.

(Story by Staff Sgt. Heather Skinkle)