LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Spending the holidays apart is one of the difficulties a family of a deployed Service member faces.
The Langley Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center gave families of deployed Service members an opportunity to spend time at a "not so scary" Halloween Breakfast Oct. 26 at the Crossbow Dining Facility.
The breakfast was the latest monthly "Hearts Apart" event, where families were encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes to create a fun, light-hearted environment.
"Families are able to meet others who can relate to having a deployed Service member," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn Chapman, 633rd Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness noncommissioned officer in charge. "It allows them the opportunity to build relationships."
To help foster a sense of camaraderie, breakfast was served by "Captain America" - Lt. Col. Gregory Beaulieu, 633rd FSS commander, who was dressed for the occasion, as well as Key Spouses and Airmen working in the dining facility.
"These events are impactful to the families," said Chapman. "It can give [them] a sort of milestone to reach, a way to countdown until their loved one returns."
Following the meal, families were treated to a magic show held by Casey Schieder, daughter of Master Sgt. Bobbi Moore, Air Combat Command Directorate of Maintenance and Logistics communication equipment manager.
Master Sgt. Rhonda Knipmeyer, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing mission support superintendent, said she started attending these events after her husband deployed two months ago.
"We decided to come because it gets the kids out of the house and we thought it would be a lot of fun," said Knipmeyer. "You get to meet people who are in situation, and [the] kids can enjoy themselves."
For Chapman, these events hold special significance.
"I look forward to seeing [the] families during the month," said Chapman. "Knowing we can make a small difference in someone's life is such an amazing feeling."
For more information about future "Hearts Apart" events, call the AFRC at 764-3990 or e-mail Chapman at dawn.chapman@us.af.mil.