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379th AEW families break new ground

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Office
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing held the innagural Command Sponsorship Program family dinner and base tour Oct. 25, 2012 for all families permanently assigned to the installation.

The event provided the 10 assigned families the opportunity to visit the many facilities and learn how the resources here can support them while stationed at the 379th AEW.

"We wanted to take this opportunity to show families they are welcome here," said Capt. Olivia Korte, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Command Sponsorship Program officer in charge. "Our goal is to familiarize them with all the resources they have at their disposal and let them see where those resources are located on the installation."

The afternoon began at the Blatchford-Preston Complex Mall where families were greeted by the 379th Force Support Squadron leadership. Here, they were treated to a tour of the BPC Exchange, Community Activity Center, Education Center and Post Office before heading across the street to the Fitness Center.

The families then travelled to the Coalition Compound side where they met with the chaplains and discussed the variety of religious and counseling services offered. They toured the Learning and Resource Center and CC Theatre before wrapping up at the Airman and Family Readiness Center where they were briefed on programs to assist them and their families as they transition to and from the 379th AEW.

"This was such an excellent tour and a great way to get familiar with the base," said Katie, wife of Master Sgt. Jason Olivencia, Air Force Central A-6 Operation Engineer Division superintendant. "I knew these services were available to me and my family but never knew exactly where they were located. This tour is an absolute must for all spouses and families who are coming in the future."

Following the tour, families gathered at Kimbolton Hall in the BPC Mall for dinner hosted by Brig. Gen Roger Watkins, commander of the 379th AEW.

Watkins himself has a vested interest in the families program here at the 379th. He will be joined by his wife next month and be the newest family stationed here for a two-year assignment. The dinner provided an opportunity for Watkins to express his gratitude and appreciation to the families for their willingness to break new grounds and share in this opportunity alongside them.

"You all are bringing to reality Lt. Gen. Goldfein's vision of developing deeper relationships with our host nation. By integrating into the community, and sharing in the local culture, we will set the stage for even closer relations with our strategic partners here in the region. Leslie and I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you over the next two years."

The evening had yet one final surprise for the families. Watkins was able to introduce his wife Leslie to the families via Skype.

Leslie expressed her appreciation to all the spouses and wanted to thank them for their participation and courage in partaking in the local Command Sponsorship Program.

"You are all truly pioneers - being the first families assigned to the base," said Leslie. "I can't wait to join you next month and be part of the base family."

Personnel at the 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron are working diligently to create new events and programs to help acclimate families to their new surroundings.

"We are looking to do quarterly events for the families and begin a program for them similar to Right Start for service members," said Korte. "This program is designed to orient them to the base and the local country. With each new family, we want their transition to be easier than the last."

The goal of the installation is to have between 20 and 25 families here by the end of fiscal year 2013 and ultimately have more than 60 families permanently assigned to the area.