JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The 433rd Airlift Wing held its annual Family Day here on May 7 at Building 826. Reservists had an afternoon to showcase the wing's mission and build camaraderie.
As the colors were presented at the hangar, everyone in the area came to attention paid their respects to the United States flag as the national anthem was played. A chaplain and the wing commander gave the invocation and opening remarks respectively.
"Today is a great day to celebrate," Col. Thomas K. Smith, Jr., 433rd Airlift Wing commander said. “I want to thank the families who are supporting the members that come out here every month to serve. It is not only given by the members, but it is also given by the family members who allow that to happen," he said.
"Alamo Wing" families and guests were treated to live music, a car and motorcycle show and the commander's tricycle race. Visitors also had an opportunity to tour the massive, C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft and a 149th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon provided courtesy of the Texas Air National Guard. There were inflatable bounce houses, a dunking booth and camouflage painting for the children.
One of the main stops for children was a simulated deployment line featuring interactive stations set up by the 433rd Medical Group. The stations were manned by Airmen who presented lessons on hand cleaning, CPR, dental hygiene and substance abuse.
“We are doing this to educate the youth,” Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Steffes, 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Superintendent of Nursing Services said. "We are forming the future, but we are also pushing the health profession for the next doctors, nurses, dentists, and medical technicians. We are also showing our families what we do."
Wing members of the Air Force Cycling Team held a bike ride for all. Riders received an Air Force Cycling Team jersey for participation. Other events included a fun run over three miles of marked trails on the Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Nature Trail, the inaugural kickball tournament between squadrons, while everyone enjoyed free iced tea, water, burgers, hotdogs, fajitas, chips, popcorn, and snow cones.
A big draw was the 433rd Security Forces small arms display, which was like a petting zoo where anyone could walk and snap a selfie of themselves with the unit's equipment.
Staff Sgt. Pedro Rodriguez, 433rd Security Forces Squadron, enjoyed manning the booth with the weapons and talking to visitors. “I love it," he said. "I was only supposed to be here a hour, but I am still here,” he said.