RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
In a year filled with events celebrating the Air Force family, next week will be an extra special one at Randolph.
Air Force Family Week, part of the Year of the Air Force Family celebration from July 2009-July 2010, will be observed with events ranging from Air Force Family Wellness Day at the Rambler Fitness Center and the Health and Wellness Center on Tuesday to the climactic Randolph Air Show Nov. 7-8.
"There's something for everybody during Air Force Family Week," said Shelta Reese, 12th Force Support Squadron marketing director. "Our goal is to celebrate the Air Force family, and that's exactly what we're doing."
The week will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to mark the opening of 10 temporary lodging units at H Street and Fifth Street East. The two- to three-bedroom units are the first of 22 units that will provide more space for larger families moving in and out of Randolph.
The Air Forces Services Agency funded a project of more than $1 million to convert family housing units into the temporary lodging facilities, some of which will accommodate pets in a fenced-in backyard. Randolph's present TLF units only provide one bedroom.
Also planned for Monday are two performances by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the Randolph High School gym.
The Air Force Family Wellness Day event, a wellness and information fair, is set for Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rambler Fitness Center and the HAWC.
"A lot of the helping agencies will have tables there," Ms. Reese said. "There will also be seminars offered at the Health and Wellness Center on topics such as managing your emotions, time management, parenting and credit readiness."
Helping agencies that will provide information about their services include Family Advocacy, Mental Health, Population Health, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Public Health, the Randolph Chapel, Mortuary Affairs, Casualty, Youth Programs, the Child Development Center, the sexual assault response coordinator, the Randolph Commissary, Pinnacle Housing, the fitness center and 12th FSS marketing.
Seminars that will be offered at the HAWC are:
· Finding the joy in parenting, 8-8:50 a.m. and noon to 12:50 p.m.
· Credit readiness, 9-9:50 a.m. and 1-1:50 p.m.
· Family time management, 10-10:50 a.m. and 2-2:50 p.m.
· Emotion management, 11-11:50 a.m. and 3-3:50 p.m.
Those who attend a seminar at the HAWC or visit the 12th FSS marketing table at the wellness and information fair will receive a ticket for a drawing that will feature prizes such as a $25 commissary gift card, admission to Lakeside Magical Christmas, bowling for a family and a lunch for four. Attendees will receive a coupon for half-price lunch at the golf course Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Air Force Family Week will also feature half-price bowling and shoe rental Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the bowling center.
Spouses and families of deployed Airmen will be the beneficiaries of two 12th SFS programs, including one during Air Force Family Week.
"Spouses and families of deployed Airmen will be able to eat dinner at the Rendezvous Dining Facility for the duration of the deployment," Ms. Reese said. "It's a new initiative, and it's a great deal for families. Cards are being distributed this week and will also be available at the wellness fair."
In addition, for the spouses and families of deployed Airmen, a half-price lunch will be offered at the clubs on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., she said. All they need to do is show their deployed spouse's dining card.
A free concert on the west flightline for all Department of Defense card holders is scheduled for Military Family Appreciation Night Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. The show will feature the Lt. Dan Band led by Gary Sinise, who stars in the TV show "CSI: New York" and who portrayed Lt. Dan in the film "Forrest Gump."
The week will conclude with the 2009 Randolph Air Show, "Forging the Future," Nov. 7-8.