352nd SOG supports family members with Hearts Apart

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Master Sgt. Robert Rodriguez, 67th Special Operations Squadron, has been married for longer than some Airmen have been alive. His marriage is approaching its 25th year, and as he looked around the decorated gym and tables of food, he remarked on how appreciative he is of his wife and their almost quarter of a century union.

"Last week I was so busy I couldn't even leave for lunch. She brought me lunch and never complained; she's always willing to help. I'm really blessed," he said.

Unlike this master sergeant, the active duty spouses whose family members were present at the RAF Mildenhall Youth Center August 26, cannot be brought lunch with a smile and an encouraging word; they are deployed in support of the military mission.

Therefore, Sergeant Rodriguez, a member of the 352nd Special Operations Group's Air Commando Top 3, and his team of volunteers pulled out all the stops to give these family members an evening of entertainment, relaxation, and a meal they didn't have to prepare by hosting the Airman and Family Readiness Center's monthly Hearts Apart dinner.

"It's a good feeling to be able to get together like this and take care of our own folks," he said.

The dinner's theme was "Back to School," featuring checkerboard tablecloths and centerpieces filled with school supplies, compliments of veteran Hearts Apart volunteer Mrs. Valerie Glessner. Her husband, Master Sergeant David Glessner, 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, was the point of contact for the last Hearts Apart dinner hosted by the Air Commando Top 3.

"[The theme] was actually our daughter's idea," said Mrs. Glessner. "When we got the August date, we decided to go with the "Back to School" theme. We collected some school supplies for the goodie bags, and she had some specific ideas for the tables so she's been helping me put it together. It's pretty much a family affair for us."

The efforts of all the volunteers were well received by over 20 families totaling over 70 attendees said to be one of the largest turnouts yet.

If there was any doubt as to the focus of the evening, it was quickly made clear.

"We are honored and humbled to provide you with a meal and entertainment," said Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd Special Operations Group commander. "If you need anything, the 352nd Special Operations Group family is here for you; don't ever feel like you're alone."

Between the support of other spouses, coworkers and friends, there are many avenues of help to family members of our deployed Airmen. For information on other support programs, please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center.