Family Day brings fun, information to wing

  • Published
  • By Maj. Erin Karl
  • 916th Public Affairs Office
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  October drill weekend's focus was on family this year as wing members brought their loved ones to work for the 2012 Family Day Event. Two hangars were filled to capacity Saturday with laughing children, free food, lively music, bounce houses and rides, and table after table of valuable information for reservists and their families.

"It was fantastic, it really was," said 916th Wing Commander Col. Gregory Gilmour. "Major Hurley and her crew did a great job."

Maj. Nicole Hurley, wing Yellow Ribbon Reintegration coordinator, organized the event.

"We wanted to make sure that families had a great time, but also give them a chance to become educated on the opportunities and services they're entitled to," Hurley said.

There were 33 organizations that set up tables on giveaways and information.

Daniele Brooks from the Mobile Vet Center said the day was very successful. "We're making sure we're getting the Veterans linked up with the different services we provide," she said. "It's been a good turn out."

"We did the hay ride and our sons really enjoyed it. The food is great," said Airman First Class Timothy Cotterill of the Force Support Squadron. He and his wife attended for the first time and brought their sons. "Next we're heading to the kids hangar."

Volunteers and donations were provided by The Bridge church as well as Jersey Mike's, Zaxby's Pizza Inn, Highway 55, Coca Cola, The USO of North Carolina, AAFES, and Sam's Club. The North Carolina Horse and Mule Association turned part of the flight line into a track for horse and buggy rides.

Wing members got involved by making treats for the kids and volunteering for the dunk tank and tricycle races. The afternoon ended with a costume contest.

'I am hopeful that people had a great time," said Hurley, "but I'm even more hopeful that they got the opportunity to learn something new that will help them in some way."