Serving up food at the deployed families dinner.
Nearly 100 family members whose loved ones are deployed had not one, but two wonderful nights out courtesy of Fighter Country Partnership. The Luke AFB Chapel hosts monthly “Deployed Families Dinner” at the Chapel typically with assistance from various other units.
When approached by FCP about partnering with the Chapel and having the dinner at an off-base location was an absolutely thrilling opportunity that could not be passed over. After a few planning meetings, the Chapel was fully engaged in the logistics and coordination to have family members out for a whole evening of fun and food.
Family fun in the pool.
“The funding provided by the donors and supporters of Fighter Country Partnership allowed us to take a previously good event up to a level that was unattainable beforehand”, stated Chaplain Ted Wilson, Wing Chaplain at Luke. By having these two events in June and July at the Wigwam, it allowed the left behind family members time to spend playing in the pool, letting the children enjoy face painting, enjoying a small comedy show put on by a local balloon artist, and just letting kids be kids with various other activities. Of course, the highlight of the evening for the adults, since it meant no cooking or cleaning was an incredible meal for very deserving families.
Even more fun in the pool!
A well deserved respite for all; many of those family members were overwhelmed with gratitude in thanking the Chapel staff, who always pointed out that it was FCP and their donations that made what would have been just another night alone, a wonderful evening out with others.
(A personal note — Thank you, donors of FCP, for taking care of our Airmen and their families at Luke – you are making a positive difference in their lives!
Looking forward to the future with you…Blessings from Above.
THEADORE “Ted” L. WILSON,
Chaplain, Lt Col, USAF
Wing Chaplain
56 FW/HC, Luke AFB
