LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Sounds of laughter filled the dining facility.
That laughter overpowered an occasional baby's cry and the unmistakable pitter-patter of children's feet. It overwhelmed squeals of delight and broke the constant murmur of table chatter.
The attendees' glowing smiles and gleeful sounds signaled the success of the Airman and Family Readiness Center's recent Meet and Eat at the Rodney Gott dining facility on Security Hill.
Spouses and families of military members separated by deployments, remote assignments, and military training instructors had the opportunity to eat, relax and socialize in an informal atmosphere geared specifically for them.
"In the back of my mind I always knew it would pay off, I just didn't know it would result in over 117 family members coming out," said Tech. Sgt. Jose Ontiveros, AFRC Readiness NCO. "It was truly amazing."
The program was added to the AFRC support lineup in November, initially targeted at the families of deployed servicemembers as a chance to network during a Dutch treat meal. After the first two Meet and Eats, Sergeant Ontiveros realized that deployments weren't the only way Airmen were separated from their families.
"My wife is currently deployed (to Germany), and from what I'm experiencing about separation, I wanted to reach out to a larger audience and those affected by separation," said Sergeant Ontiveros, who has four children at home. "I take these opportunities to talk to these families not just as a readiness NCO but as a single dad who's looking to talk to other single dads in this situation."
The expanded reach went beyond deployed families to include those separated by remote assignment, TDYs and families of basic military training instructors.
"MTIs sometimes push flights four or five months in a row and rarely see their family members," Sergeant Ontiveros said. "In my opinion, that's the same thing as a deployment."
After key spouses and first sergeants were enlisted to help spread the word, the Security Hill 5/6 Council stepped up to sponsor the February meal as an additional participation incentive.
The net result: 117 family members and 34 volunteers who had the chance to build network support and friendships.
"I think it's wonderful for all these families to get together," said Kristen Holmes, the wife of Capt. (Dr.) Douglas Holmes, a MacKown Clinic dentist currently deployed to Iraq.
"Getting together this way, you can put a face with a name and make connections. I find it a lot easier to call someone when I know who they are; they're not just a name on a card."
Eighmey Engle, the wife of 1st Lt. Nicholas Engle, 91st Network Warfare Squadron, enjoys getting out with their two small children since her husband deployed to Afghanistan in late December.
"The first month was hard; I think Murphy's Law hit us in its whole capacity," Mrs. Engle said. "Just once a month not to have to do the dishes or cook dinner, it's amazing - the best thing ever."
Both spouses agreed that participating in base support programs is important. Mrs. Holmes said she wished she had gravitated to those programs when her husband's deployment started last November.
"I should have gone out more than I did," said Mrs. Holmes, the mother of three boys. "Now that he's been deployed a little bit longer, I find it necessary for my own emotional being to find more support programs."
For more information about family support programs, contact Sergeant Ontiveros at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, 671-3722.