Team Buckley says...Family Matters

  • Published
  • By Airman Nigel R. Sims
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
As the seasons began to transform once again, the door opens to our service members and their families to take advantage of a large number of opportunities, such as spending quality family time together.

During the winter months, some activities that families can participate in are hiking, snowboarding, ice fishing, winter camping, building a snowman, sledding, having a shoveling race or just renting a cabin in the mountains.

"It's important that families take the time to spend with one another in order to keep the cohesive bond strong," said Mrs. Sandy Whitaker, 460th Space Wing, Community Readiness Consultant. "However, it can be difficult, especially for dual income parents, but it is still important to find time, and make time to spend with their families."

We often get so wrapped up in the importance of money or other things in life that we sometimes forget about the most important thing, such as family. Spending time with family members is known to bring the whole family closer together.

"Sometimes the Air Force mission may pull you away quite a bit, whether it's for a deployment or exercise, and when you're not there it hurts the family mentally," said Tech. Sgt. Scot Tardiff, 460th Space Wing, Information Management Technician. "It hurts them almost to a form of neglect for some issues. Work is necessary, but the family is always going to be there for you no matter what, that's why it is important to spend time with them, and also to show them your appreciation."

"Spending time with family helps keep up the communication flow," said Whitaker," which helps prevent secrets from being created within the family. It also helps encourage kids as well as spouses to be able to talk with one another about anything."

Time is something that cannot be replaced. Once it's gone it's gone. We often look back and wish we could have spent more time with our immediate family or family members, but for whatever reasons we didn't. This may cause feelings of incompleteness and sadness.

"My family and I do a great deal of activities together," said Tardiff. "My wife and I both feel it's important to be there for our family, to support them, and for them to know that we are there."

"It's not just important to get the children involved into group activities," said Tardiff, "but it's important to be involved in those activities so you know what's going on as well, so you can offer your suggestions, help and guidance.

"There are also opportunities for single service members and married couples without children to help mold our youth by working through the Youth Center," said Tardiff.

"The Youth Center is always looking for volunteers, as well as people that concentrate on specific activities that the youth may be interested in to help out," said Tardiff. "The reward you feel from helping out today's youth is amazing. All you have to do is call."

To volunteer in youth programs contact the youth center at 720-847-9992.