A&FRC hosts skating event for families of deployed service members

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Riley Johnson
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
Buckley's Airman and Family Readiness Center treated families of deployed service members to free ice skating Feb. 2 at the Southlands Mall.

Every month the A&FRC hosts a no-cost outing for families of deployed service members.

"This is basically a morale-building event for families that are experiencing a deployment," said Master Sgt. John Azbell, A&FRC. "The events are geared for the whole family."

The A&FRC offered two hours of ice skating in addition to food vouchers.

"These events help the time pass," said a Buckley spouse. "My daughter and I really enjoy coming out and meeting people."

Nearly 50 family members turned out for February's ice skating gathering.

"It's a great opportunity to get together as a military community and have fun while the deployed service member is deployed," said Lt. Col. Hew Wells, 460th Space Communications Squadron commander.

The event's focus was not only entertaining family members, but also giving the deployed members a piece of mind that their families are in good hands.

"I hope it makes the (deployed service member) comfortable that we are looking out for (their families) and helps the time pass for them," said Wells.

Previous events have included trips to Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, Denver Zoo, and The Wildlife Experience Museum.

Families of deployed service members are invited to join the A&FRC to go bowling March 23. For more information or to sign up, call the A&FRC at 720-847-6681.