Family Fun Day

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt Wendy Ohl
  • 185th ARW
185th ARW Sioux City, Iowa --  On October 4 2008, the 185th Air Refueling Wing hosted a Family Fun Day. Several hundred family members participated in the events, which included a Wingman Day activity, carnival, confined space trailer, case lot sale and seminars designed for military families.

Wingman Day started with approximately 60 kids aged six to 17 participating in an icebreaker to loosen them up and get them ready for the other activities of the day. After a "get to know you" icebreaker they split into groups by age and took turns participating in three activities designed to work on teamwork and communication skills. The activities included the walking boards to learn trust and communication, Lego building activity to work on teamwork and communication skills, and "stressed out" to learn how to deal with stressors and pressure. After the activities they worked on crafts, had refreshments, hung out and relaxed.

"The day was excellent. We had outstanding volunteers helping us out. Several military members and spouses helped lead the groups and guide kids through various activities," said Tech. Sgt. Payt Bergert enthusiastically. "It went really well. I'm very pleased with the way things went." Bergert stepped in to organized and lead the Wingman Day activities when the state coordinator was unable to participate.

"It was a very successful activity and we look forward to doing it again next year," said Lori Risdal, Wing Family Programs Coordinator.

The carnival attracted a lot of kids participating in games to win prizes or a jumping in a moon walk or climbing on an inflatable obstacle course. Deandra Fuller, National American Miss Iowa Junior Teen, assisted with the Plinko game. Fuller is a sophomore at North High School in Sioux City, Iowa. The 185th Fire Department also had two trucks and their confined space trainer trailer on hand with several firefighters to discuss fire safety.

"My daughter was having so much fun at the carnival she bawled all the way home because she didn't want to leave," stated Master Sgt. Jeff Leu from communications maintenance.

Presentations on various topics for military members and their families were also given with door prizes being drawn for those participating. Topics included transitioning from active duty, managing finances, fitness and health for the entire family, positive stress responses and five love languages (coping with your spouse).

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