Team Mildenhall leaders open homes to Airmen for holidays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dillon Johsnton
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  As an Airman stationed overseas, the holidays can be a lonely time of the year. Many new Airmen have never been away from home for extended periods of time, and long for the comfort of a home-cooked meal and a family to share it with during the holiday season.
 
This is where the Adopt an Airman program is significant. Airman 1st Class Danielle A. Robinson, 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron logistics planner, was afforded the opportunity to use the program during the holiday season. She was adopted, along with her boyfriend, by Lt. Col. Michael Thomas, 352nd Special Operations Group chief of safety, and his family, for a Christmas meal.

The Thomas family brought Robinson to Sandringham, England, to see the Queen of England on Christmas day, and bought her and her boyfriend Christmas gifts.

"It was great to have something to look forward to." Robinson said. "It was really nice to be with a family," she said. "I would definitely recommend this to other Airmen."

First hearing about the program at an Airmen Committed to Excellence meeting, Robinson decided to apply for it, and was soon thereafter contacted by Tech. Sgt. Anjelica Kaylor, 100th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of installation personnel readiness, who swiftly set up the adoption.

"It was executed beautifully," said Robinson. "(Tech. Sgt.) Kaylor immediately contacted the adopters."

Having enjoyed her experience, Robinson encourages other Airmen to try the program for themselves. She said she felt as though not enough people actually knew about it.

"I wish there was more knowledge about it," said Robinson. "There are so many families willing to take you in."

Robinson said she made a meaningful connection to this family and is sure she'll contact them in the future.

These kinds of connections can be vital to a young Airman since they can help curb loneliness during the holidays. Networking and bringing Airmen into the Air Force family can give someone a sense of home while away.

Headed by Kaylor, and supported by the ACE council, the program offers Airmen living in the dorms on base an opportunity to be adopted for a day by senior enlisted and officers for a holiday meal and a family to share it with. There are multiple opportunities throughout the year to be a part of the program. Team Mildenhall members interested should keep an eye out for any ACE announcements regarding the program.