Families of deployed Airmen enjoy Winter Bash

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sharida Jackson
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  In an effort to ease the stress on families of deployed service members, especially during the holiday season, the Vogelweh Youth Program hosted a Winter Bash event Dec. 21, 2015, at Vogelweh Military Complex, Germany.

The event gave families a chance to interact with other families that are also handling the challenges deployments entail and also being separated from their loved ones during the holidays.

"It's important that we provide the opportunity to gather with other military families," said Andrea Hoover, Vogelweh Teen Center coordinator.

The event included food, games, movies, and arts and crafts. In addition, each child was able to choose a brand new toy to take home.

"We applied for and won a grant to purchase some toys, and we wanted to give them to the children of our deployed service members," said Vanessa Hamilton, Vogelweh Teen Center member.

More than 35 families attended the Winter Bash event, with children ranging in age from newborn to teenager. Attendees were also provided a family photo free of charge.

The focus was not only on entertaining family members, but also providing comfort to deployed members.

"We just want to let members of our community know that we are here for them," Hoover said. "Support is essential during deployments."

The Winter Bash is just one of many events within the community to support the families of deployed members. Other events include movie nights, skating nights and monthly dinners.

The next scheduled event will take place Jan. 29, 2016 at the Ramstein Bowling Center.

For more information or to sign up for events, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at DSN 480-5100 or commercially 06371-47-5100 or the Vogelweh Youth Program at DSN 489-6504 or commercially 0631-536-6504.