An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Deployment dinner promotes unity among spouses of deployed service members.

  • Published
  • By Jackie Hites
  • 15 AW/DSWM
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  Nearly 100 deployed family members headed to Nelles Chapel to fellowship and enjoy dinner together during the monthly deployed spouses' dinner on Thursday, 26 Feb, at the Nelles Chapel Multipurpose Room. The purpose of this program is to encourage interaction among family members, as well as provide a break for the spouse while military sponsor is deployed.

Col. Giovanni Tuck, 15th Airlift Wing Commander, attended the event to visit and show support for the family members. "Thank you for coming to this evening's dinner," he said. "I know how difficult and challenging it is to take on extra responsibilities during your spouse's absence. It is my honor to share with you that the wing received an "Excellent" rating during the recent Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). I am so proud of all wing personnel and their families; and your sacrifice and support that made the ORI successful. I thank you for everything that you do."

"The Hickam chapel hosts four of these dinners throughout the year, partnering with Airman and Family Readiness and supported by commanders and first sergeants with many volunteers in our commitment to military families," said (Major) Chaplain Christine Blice-Baum, lead chaplain for 15th Airlift Wing Chapel Traditional Service.

Family members with deployed spouses enjoy a meal that included variety of main and side dishes with salad. The night also included children's activities with the theme "Spring/Easter" with children having an opportunity to decorate their own cupcakes with a variety of colored frostings. "This event gives spouse and their children a chance to interact with other families, fostering friendship in a time of need," said Mrs. Jan Robinson, the wife of Col. Steven Robinson, HQ/PACAF/A5, Chief, Policy and Strategy Division, who was the organizer and project officer for the dinner.

Spouses who attended said the entire event was great and right on target. "We got to mingle and meet new people and in fact this is my 8th dinner so far and my daughter Sarah is also here today," said Sonja Jacob-Angle whose husband works at Pacific Command J13.

"It's a good opportunity for them to share experiences, concerns, issues and become each other's support group, while they also learn more about resources that they may seek for any help," said Chaplain Christine Blice-Baum. "Thanks to all young and adult volunteers who made this dinner a very meaningful and enjoyable one."