Hearts Apart: Caring for families of deployed, remote tour Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  As a top priority for 4th Fighter Wing leaders, caring for Airmen and their families is always a focus around base.

Over the past few months, Team Seymour has unified to improve the Hearts Apart program, an initiative focused on meeting the needs of families of Airmen who are deployed or serving on remote tours.

The wing held Hearts Apart activities for years, but up until recently, banquets were only scheduled once a quarter. In September, organizers, with support from base leaders, decided to increase the frequency of events, and a dinner has been held on the third Tuesday of every month ever since.

"Leadership at all levels across the wing has made it clear that caring for our families is something very important to them," said Master Sgt. Edward McBride, Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness NCO. "It's great to see the way leadership supports families at the events we hold every month. They make it a point to talk with each and every spouse, and that sends a powerful message to the spouses. Their acts of caring go well beyond any words that could be said."

Volunteers from across the community and multiple helping agencies on base make the program possible through various acts of kindness.

Military and family life consultants, school liaison officers and representatives from the 4th Medical Group Mental Health Clinic attend every function to provide information to families. Retirees on Call, a private organization, is also always present to offer assistance repairing household items or mowing lawns, easing the burden of separation.

The 4th Fighter Wing Chapel coordinates with community churches, whose members provide and serve free food to Hearts Apart families. Since September, more than 1,200 meals were served, and over the past few months the average attendance has increased to more than 200 members.

"Our community churches love having the opportunity to come on base and support their military community, but they aren't always sure how they can help," said Capt. Jonathan Ayers, a 4th FW chaplain. "The Hearts Apart banquet is a big way they can support us. In fact, our calendar is full every month of next year."

In addition to helping agency support, an average of 30 Airmen from across the installation also volunteer each month, taking care of children, setting up for the event, or cleaning up afterward. They lead different activities, such as face painting and crafts, or ensure safety while children are leaping around on the bouncy castle.

Leslie Dixon, spouse of a 4th FW Airman, said her entire family thoroughly enjoyed a recent wing event they attended.

"The night was cherished by my entire family," Dixon said. "It was great talking to other adults, and the children loved playing with all the other kids. I can't wait for the next one."

McBride said he's proud of what the program has become, but he and other coordinators are always seeking improvement.

Recently, the 4th Force Support Squadron began providing free bowling every Monday evening for Hearts Apart families. They also coordinate with the youth center to provide child care once a month, giving spouses some rare alone time.

More adult-oriented activities were also requested in addition to the children's activities. In an effort to meet those needs, the first "Blush and Brush" event was held March 21, which gave spouses a chance to create a painting and enjoy the company of other spouses in similar situations. McBride said "Blush and Brush" was a success and may become a recurring opportunity, but added that the wing isn't the only Hearts Apart organizer. Squadrons across the base also host events.

Recently, one of the base's fighter squadrons gave spouses a chance to shop while volunteers cared for their children.

"I think it's really generous that everyone comes together to support us at events like this," said Paige Kiser, spouse of a 4th FW Airman. "Everyone's time is precious, and knowing they're willing to sacrifice their time to ease our burden speaks volumes. It really lets us know they care."

Regardless of who organizes family support events, McBride said it's obvious the entire wing cares.

"We're all one family, and when someone's hurting, we all feel it," McBride said. "We want to let the families know that they're not forgotten because their family member is deployed or serving on a remote tour. We don't just focus on the military member, we look out for the whole family."