Families take break, enjoy Yellow Ribbon dinner

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Les Waters
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  More than 15 families attended the bi-monthly Yellow Ribbon dinner at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Southern Eagle Dining Hall, Nov. 12, 2009.

This is the largest turn out of family members since readiness noncommissioned officer Tech. Sgt. Andrea Schaub from the Airman & Family Readiness Center organized the dinner.

"It didn't look too promising when I came into work this morning (Thursday)," she said. "We only had one family signed up, so I sent out an e-mail to all the spouses to remind them of the dinner."

Whether it was a reminder e-mail or lack of extracurricular activities due to the wet and windy weather that day, 45 family members came together to enjoy each other's company and a healthy meal they did not have to make.

"I think the Yellow Ribbon dinner is a wonderful idea," said Jessica Taylor, wife of Staff Sgt. Aaron Taylor who is deployed with the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. "(We've) been to two dinners and we plan to attend more. It is a great way for both the kids and spouses to connect with others who (have) a loved one deployed."

The dinner is open to families with a spouse deployed or serving on a remote assignment. It provides a chance for spouses and children to meet others going through a similar experience. Sergeant Schaub said this opportunity also allows the family to eat out without spending a fortune.

"A family of four can usually eat for about $10," Sergeant Schaub said. "Although I hope one day to have it sponsored and be free to our families."

Members of the EAGLES Council, professional organization for Airman E-1 through E-4, offer their assistance in carrying trays to the table, holding the little ones or watching the children at the tables while the parents get food.

"I help the families get through the line in the DFAC because they are not familiar with the set up," said Airman 1st Class Marissa Tucker, EAGLES Council public affairs officer. "I volunteer to help because I know what it's like to feel alone at a place and not really know how to go out and make friends. At the Yellow Ribbon dinners, all the spouses sit around and talk and even those who don't know each other join in on the conversation."

The EAGLES Council also offers arts and crafts activities for children providing parents free time. The spouses who attend the dinners say they are grateful to the EAGLES Council for watching their children, even for a few hours, and to A&FRC for organizing the dinner and providing information to the families.

"It's very helpful the A&FRC is there to provide information on upcoming events and programs they offer to help families cope with deployment," Mrs. Taylor said.

The A&FRC offers programs not only for Airmen who deploy but also for the families left behind. Some of the other programs include Readiness Emergency Sleep Tool (REST) pillow, Car Care Because We Care, Give Parents A Break and financial aid.

"We focus our attention on the deployed servicemembers and forget about the families left behind," Sergeant Schaub said. "It is just as important to say 'Thank you' to the families of those deployed as it is to the deployed them self. This is just one way we can assist in easing stress of a loved one being deployed."

The Yellow Ribbon dinner is held every second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 5-7 p.m. at the base dining facility. To sign up or for more information on other A&FRC programs, call 722-1123.