Hearts Apart for the holidays

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kristina Newton
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Spending the holidays apart can be like a Christmas tree without gifts, it just isn't complete. At times like this, the support and camaraderie of people who understand can make all the difference.

That is why families took a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations to attend the Hearts Apart Holiday Party Dec. 14 at the Airman & Family Readiness Center where children made holiday crafts and adults took time to talk and relax.

Santa Claus made an surprise appearance and children of every age gathered around the jolly man-in-red to sit on his lap and assure him they had been good all year.

While the children occupied themselves with thoughts of Christmas morning, Tech. Sgt Diane Thomas, Hearts Apart coordinator, took photos of the children with Santa to send to their dads overseas.

Santa gave every boy and girl a blue or pink bag with goodies such as coloring books, crayons and pencils.

As the children returned from seeing Santa, tables of food were set out for the families to munch on as they settled in to catch up on what had happened since Hobo Night in October.

Tamara Fischer who is married to Capt. Kevin Fischer, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, brought her four kids to the party. She said she likes these events because she gets to mingle, and the kids get to see their friends.

"They really like the interaction," she said. "It gives them a sense of normalcy to have a place to go to when dad is away."

The families ate and got reacquainted before splitting into two groups to continue the night's activities. The children escaped to a room of their own to make paper bag reindeer and snowman soup, or watch a classic holiday movie about a certain snowman with a magic hat. And with the sound of laughter echoing down the hall, the adults found it easier to relax and enjoy the evening by playing a few games of Holiday Bingo

Cristen Weaver mother of three and wife to Staff Sgt. Jimmy Weaver, 1st Special Operation Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, was attending her first Hurlburt Field Hearts Apart event.

"They are very good about keeping in contact with the families and letting us know what is going on." she said. "This is the first deployment my youngest child will remember, and it's nice they can make it a fun experience for the kids."

Over all, the party was a success with 53 family members in attendance. But if there was one thing Sergeant Thomas could change it would be the participation of dads with deployed spouses. "It would be great if I could get some of the dads in here," she said. "I just really want them to know they are always welcome."

Next month's Hearts Apart event is the welcome home banner project on Jan. 25. For more information, call 884-6797.