A&FRC provides deployed service members’ families fun, food

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bass
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Ramstein Air Base, Germany --  The 86th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center held a Deployed Family Dinner and bowling night at the Vogelweh Bowling Center on Vogelweh Military Complex, Germany, March 28.

The monthly event gives families of deployed personnel a chance to meet with other families who are experiencing the same challenges caused by deployment, build friendships, and develop support networks, said Master Sgt. Peter Krueger, 86th FSS A&FRC senior noncommissioned officer in charge.

“It’s an opportunity to get kids out of the house, do something fun, and make connections with the A&FRC staff and volunteers who support these events.”

The A&FRC provided each family with a free dinner and free bowling for two hours during the event. The A&FRC works with volunteers and private organizations to assist with the dinners.

“Private organizations like the Ramstein Officers Spouse’s Club and the Ramstein Enlisted Spouse’s Club as well as funds from the Combined Federal Campaign [Overseas] are used to put these events on,” Kruger said. “Without these contributions we wouldn’t be able to have the events as often, and they wouldn’t likely be as diverse as they are due to the cost.”

Before the bowling started, Col. John Zapata, 86th Mission Support Group commander, thanked families for attending and for taking on the additional burdens while their loved ones are gone.

“Deployments are a stressful time for the military member and their families,” said Krueger. “These events allow families to connect with other families whose military member is deployed, and helps build relationships which strengthen a sense of community and builds resilience amongst the families. It also helps boost morale and ensure families understand they aren’t alone. This is even more important in overseas areas as extended families tend to be far away and not readily available to assist the family as they would in a stateside location.”

Next month’s event is scheduled to be held at the Vogelweh roller rink, Krueger added.

For more information or to RSVP for events, call the A&FRC at 06371-47-5100.