SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The 4th Fighter Wing, along with several helping agencies, held a "Hearts Apart" event in support of spouses and family members of deployed and remote Airmen Sept. 17 at Heritage Hall.
The night's festivities focused on relieving the pressures families sustain when a member is deployed and served as a venue to ensure families are connected with the wing's many helping agencies and resources.
"'Hearts Apart' events and activities are intended to show the families of our deployed and remote Airmen that their service is truly concerned about their well-being," said Jane Hammonds, 4th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center chief. "We want to ensure families are supported and they know there are resources available to assist them while their loved ones are away."
A free meal was provided so moms and dads could kick back and not have to cook, and balloon animals and bouncy castles kept the kids entertained. Most importantly, though, commanders, first sergeants, key spouses and helping agencies were on hand to further network with families.
Molly Henry, the wife of Master Sgt. Patrick Henry, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron munitions production section chief, said she loved the event and had the opportunity to meet a lot of people within her husband's shop that were more than willing to help out with anything.
"It's nice to have so many wonderful people and programs available to keep us going while he's gone," she said. "I'm looking forward to the other events they have planned in the future."
Monthly "Hearts Apart" events are scheduled to further encourage families to get out and network with others that are going through similar situations. Currently, some of the planned events include: dinner and a movie, cooking class and wine and design parties.
The Hearts Apart program and its associated services ensure spouses feel supported and heard and have practical resources at their disposal to combat stressors and hardships in their lives. This is accomplished through what are known as "Sustainment Services" (see below) offered through the program.
According to Hammonds, the takeaway message from the event was "come join the group."
"I hope that the families can see, not only through this event, but through events to come, that this wing is devoted to ensuring they are taken care of and this is only one forum to reach out to them."
For more information on the many helping agencies at the ready for members of Team Seymour, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at (919) 722-1123.
Sustainment Services include:
Hearts Apart Events: Monthly dinner, pizza/pool parties, dinner and a movie, etc.
Give Parents a Break: Five hours of free childcare for children 12 and younger to help relieve the burden of being a single parent while the other spouse is away. Registration for this service is done through the Child Development Center - (919) 722-1198 - or the Youth Center - (919) 722-0502.
Car Care Because We Care: Free oil change and a 15-point inspection at the base Auto Hobby Shop.
Hearts Apart Calls: Eight 15-minute phone calls per month to spouses at their deployed or remote location via a PIN issued through the Airmen and Family Readiness Center.
Pillowcase Program: Airman and Family Readiness Center takes a digital photo of a positive memento of a loved one that will then be transferred onto a pillowcase or t-shirt. One free pillowcase will be provided, but more can be made if pillowcases are personally supplied.
Key Spouse: A fellow spouse acts as the point of contact for all other spouses within a unit. Their duties, among other things, include reaching out to their unit's spouses, ensuring they understand who, within the unit's leadership, they can speak to if they have concerns or issues. They also provide general assistance with the process of adjusting to military life.
Member's Unit: Their duty is to reach out and include members' spouses within unit morale events and ensure family members receive consistent support.