Deployed spouses

Mandi Clouse and daughter Makayla, age 2 (left) from RAF Mildenhall, engage in conversation with Clare Smith and her sons William, 4, (middle) and James, 3, (right) from RAF Marham, during the deployed spouses luncheon Dec. 7, 2008, at RAF Marham, England. The luncheon was put together for families of deployed servicemembers serving in the United States and the Royal air forces, the opportunity to meet other families while loved ones are deployed during the holidays. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman)

Deployed spouses

Kaidan Fleshman 3, son of Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman from the 100th Public Affairs, accepts a gift from Santa Claus during the deployed spouse’s luncheon Dec. 7, 2008, in RAF Marham, England. Santa made a special appearance and handed out gifts to all children in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman)

Deployed spouses

Family members, along with Santa Claus shout out “Merry Christmas” at the conclusion of the deployed spouse’s luncheon Dec. 7, 2008, at RAF Marham, England. The luncheon was put together for families of deployed servicemembers serving in the United States and the Royal air forces, the opportunity to meet other families with loved ones deployed during the holidays. Santa made a special appearance and handed out gifts to all children in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman)

Spouses of deployed members get together at RAF Marham

Published Dec. 19, 2008
By Staff Reports
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- Spouses of deployed family members from both RAF Mildenhall and RAF Marham joined together for a family event Dec. 7 at RAF Marham. The event included a Christmas meal, entertainment and a visit from Santa, who handed out gifts to the children.

"This is a combined event we try and do quarterly, bringing families of deployed members from both bases together," said Tech. Sgt William Dominy, 100th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center.

"It gives them a chance to network, discuss similarities, and increase relations with our community," he said.

Twenty-three family members from RAF Mildenhall attended the event, along with Vicky Stayton, 100th ARW community relations advisor, and three members of the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Col. Scott Brumbaugh, 100th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, and his wife Angela also attended.

""It's our intention at RAF Marham to offer support to all members of families separated by deployments throughout the year, and this is obviously more important (during the holiday season)," said Rita Broomfield, community development officer, RAF Marham.

"Community support staff at RAF Marham and RAF Mildenhall have worked collaboratively during the last two years, putting together a program of events and activities that puts families in touch with others who are experiencing the same deployment separation," she said. "The program will hopefully provide mutual support, valuable information and friendly conversation, and we hope to continue this partnership during the coming year.

"Everyone had a brilliant day at RAF Marham with the Christmas lunch and a visit from Santa, and our thanks go to the families from RAF Mildenhall for joining us," Mrs. Bloomfield said.