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Family Day - Swampfox style

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashleigh Pavelek
  • 169th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. --  More than 2,000 U.S. Airmen and their families from the South Carolina Air National Guard and the 169th Fighter Wing assembled here May 3, for a family day celebration.

This event was organized to celebrate the entire Swampfox family for their personal sacrifices during a very busy four-year period. During this time, the wing excelled in multiple deployments around the world and intensive readiness inspections, all while providing 24/7 aerial security and homeland defense.

"I couldn't be more proud of our citizen Airmen for the sacrifices they and their families make to serve their country and the state of South Carolina," said Col. David Meyer, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing.

It's a nice break from the daily grind, and my son gets a chance to come to McEntire to see what it is that I do here, commented Tech. Sgt. Jamie Mancourt, assigned to the weapons element of the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Swampfox families were greeted with live music, a barbecue buffet and fun activities for the children as an expression of gratitude by local community sponsors. Also, hands-on displays of various military equipment allowed families to get a close look at some of the most modern equipment in the S.C. Air and Army National Guard.

"Family Day gives me the opportunity to appreciate what my husband does," said Tami Johnson, wife of Master Sgt. Ryan Johnson, a financial management specialist assigned to the 169th Comptroller Flight.

Family Readiness Programs and services made great contributions in leveraging the resources that aided in making the Family Day festivities a great success. The main mission of the Family Readiness Programs office is to promote resiliency and quality of life by assisting Airmen with personal, family and communal needs to maximize readiness and morale.

"Family Day was a great success with Airman and their families receiving information on Strong Bonds, Family Programs, Yellow Ribbon, Military OneSource, MFLC Personal Financial Counselor, American Red Cross, SCNG Federal Credit Union and the National Guard Association," said Carolyn DeLille, coordinator for the 169th Fighter Wing Family Services and Readiness Group. "They also were able to enjoy snacks and candies made possible by donations from local and national sponsors. It was a wonderful day of fun and fellowship!"