Hearts Apart Dinner offers diners food, fun, break

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Dennis Brewer
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Spouses of deployed Team Mildenhall Airmen stopped by the Youth Programs Center Sept. 25 for the "Last Days of Summer" Hearts Apart Dinner to get a break from cooking and their normal daily routine. 

To give the 106 guests attending the meal that break, the men and women of the 352nd Special Operations Group's Air Commando Top 3 set up grills, a buffet line and a bouncy castle. Volunteers from across the group also served food, supplied side dishes, and cooked burgers and hot dogs for the dinner. 

The program is sponsored by the 100th Force Support Squadron's Airmen and Family Readiness center. Each month, a different organization on base hosts the spouses of deployed members. 

"It was really a good event for the families and the volunteers. The SOG did an awesome job. Really good, it all flowed very smoothly," said Mr. Chris Kaiser the Youth Program's before and after school coordinator. "They took care of everything from cooking to cleaning up." 

Taking care of the event is the piece everyone sees, but it means more than just food or activities to some of the attendees. 

"It gives some people a chance to have an adult conversation," said Tech. Sgt. William Dominy, 100th FSS readiness noncommissioned officer in charge (the Hearts Apart program is his responsibility). "It's one of the things I hear often. 

"I spoke to a lady who had no intention of coming," he added. "Afterward, she said she was glad she came because she made contacts - which is the primary purpose. It's for spouses to network and realize there's support for them while their spouses are deployed. And the children have a great time as they can meet and make new friends." 

He went on to say, "this program, like any Hearts Apart program, is for every spouse and their families assigned to Team Mildenhall and the only requirement to attend is that your spouse be deployed." 

The 352nd SOG event organizer was glad he got the chance to take part as well.
"It was my first time attending a Hearts Apart event," said Master Sgt. Wesley Waithe, 352nd Maintenance Squadron. "The overwhelming support of everyone in our group, and the 100th Air Refueling Wing was phenomenal. The (352nd) SOG was tapped out for volunteers due to the bazaar, the Battle of Britain parade, Joan Mann Sports Day, and the Air Force Ball. But we really are a community that pulls together to support our families. Everyone pitched in, especially our key spouses. They were great." 

Those who attend the next Hearts Apart dinner (scheduled) for Oct. 23 can wear Halloween costumes. It will be held at the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Department from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Fire Department is located next to the air traffic control tower in Building 536. 

Details aren't complete yet, but for more information about any Hearts Apart program, call the Airmen and Family Readiness Center at DSN 238-3406.