Family Day

Senior Airman Destynie Duppler, assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron, properly attaches a life preserver to Jocelyn Lombard, wife of Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Lombard assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Group, in preparation for an orientation flight over parts of England during recent Spouses Day activities. Over 100 family members attended the annual event aimed at showing appreciation for the sacrifices spouses make to ensure successful accomplishment of the 352nd SOG and Joint Special Operations Air Command – Europe’s critical mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood)

Family Day

RAF MILDENHALL, England – Mrs. Sandra Gill, wife of Capt. Grant Gill assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron, gets fitted for a flak vest by a special operations weatherman during recent Spouses Day activities. Vests, such as this one, were one of many items displayed by the 321st Special Tactics Squadron. Other units from the 352nd SOG as well the Joint Special Operations Air Component – Europe provided displays and gave briefings to the over 100 family members who were present. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood)

Spouses get first hand look at 352nd SOG

Published Oct. 4, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Each year, family members of 352nd Special Operations Group personnel get an opportunity to see up close what their active duty member does on a daily basis during Spouses Day, and this year was no different.

On Aug. 27, 352nd SOG units set up displays, presented mission briefings and prepped the spouses to fly.

More than 100 spouses gathered in Hangar 803 to participate and were given the opportunity to fly in 352nd SOG aircraft over parts of England.

"It's great that we get the opportunity to fly with the operations squadrons and experience life on the aircraft," said Jocelyn Lombard, wife of Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Lombard, 352nd SOG manpower.

"Being able to see what they do on a day-today- basis and seeing the countryside from that viewpoint was amazing. I went last year, and I won't miss it next year," said Mrs. Lombard.

Clearly, for many spouses who were participating, even if not for the first time, they were excited about the day's activities. Some even volunteered to marshal in the aircraft.

"We spouses and other family rarely have the opportunity to see firsthand the amazing mission the men and women of the 352nd Special Operations Group perform every day," said Mrs. Sandra Gill, wife of Capt. Grant Gill assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron. "Everyone's professionalism and can-do attitude was extremely impressive."

Following the morning's activities, the day wrapped up with an indoor picnic.

"This Spouses Day has been one of the most well-attended, at least since I've been here," said Col. Gary McCollum, 352nd Special Operations Group commander. "It's important that we thank our spouses and family members every chance we get because without their support we won't be able to successfully complete our mission."