Airmen have Home for Holidays

  • Published
  • By Kyra Maiki
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Holiday dinners are an important time for many people. There are a large number of Airmen on Elmendorf, who will be eating their holiday dinners at the Dinning Facilities, alone in their dorms, or during a hurried break from their shift work.

Family celebrations can seem like distant memories for those who are experiencing their first winter in Alaska, or who have never been away from their families.

In the past, families around Elmendorf have shown their support for Airmen by inviting single members to their holiday dinners. Many families have been unable to do so because they don't know anyone to invite.

In an effort to make sure every Airman feels appreciated during the holidays this year will be the First Home for the Holidays.

The program offers local families the opportunity to share their traditional Thanksgiving day with unaccompanied Airmen.

"The holiday times can often be difficult for both our youngest Airmen as well as our most seasoned veterans," said Chief Master Sgt. Bob Moore, senior enlisted leader Alaskan Command Alaskan NORAD Region. "The holidays are all about getting together with friends and family, and no one likes to spend them alone."

Moore said it is important for airman to know they are appreciated during the holidays.

Families who want to invite an Airman to their homes may contact Kyra Mailki at jberholidays@gmail.com with the number of Airmen they can accommodate by Nov. 9, 2009.

Airmen who wish to participate, are asked to submit their names by the same date. By-name requests, to include Airmen who wish to join the same sponsor family, should be included in order to support as many of these requests as possible.

Hosts are asked to ensure that safe transportation is provided for all Airmen, especially for those who don't have a vehicle of their own. If this is not possible, families are still encouraged to participate - simply include the limitations of transportation when the names are submitted, and those families will be matched with Airmen who have their own vehicles.

All families and Airmen will be contacted by the 13th of November to confirm participation and transportation plans, and will be informed of their "match ups" at that time.