Children celebrate Halloween early

Published Oct. 22, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Francis Lalic
21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Twenty three McGuire families gathered at the Airman and Family Readiness Center Oct. 17 during the Hearts Apart annual pre Halloween-alternate theme party.

The event is one of the A&FRC monthly treats for military family members of deployed or remotely- assigned Airmen.

"Our monthly Hearts Apart events are about supporting families," said Tech. Sgt. Kevin Casciano, 305th Mission Support Squadron A&FRC readiness NCO.

Each activity is projected around a specific theme or holiday motif with the intent of helping family members cope with separation.

"When we can bring families together for a good time, it helps them cope with the stress, shows them people care and allows us to give something back to our military community," Sergeant Casciano said.

In keeping with the theme of the night, this month's event featured food, games, arts and crafts and children showed off their respective Halloween costumes. The spouses stayed behind to unwind and shared advice with each other.

Sergeant Casciano said, "It was a phenomenal night for families!"

Senior Airman Caroline Rodriguez, 305th Operations Support Squadron, said the event was extremely fulfilling.

"I was very fortunate to contribute to such a meaningful event. I also enjoyed interacting with the children and parents, and without a doubt would do it again."

Sergeant Casciano added the event has been sponsored since 1998 by the Friends of Family Support, a non-profit organization that accepts donations on behalf of the McGuire A&FRC.

Don Divis, A&FRC director, said Hearts Apart provides an event for families of deployed members to build connections with others who are experiencing the same challenges and opportunities.

"Although lots of fun, Sergeant Casciano ensures each family is informed of upcoming events and when needed, helps families through difficult times," Mr. Divis said.

"These events cannot be accomplished without the caring and great work by our volunteers, who generally have as much fun as the kids do," he said.

For more information about upcoming events for spouses of deployed Airmen, call the A&FRC at (609) 754-2896.