It’s a special summer in this Year of the Air Force Family

Published June 8, 2010
By Nick Stubbs
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- "Something for all ages," sums up the summer offerings at MacDill for 2010, said Wendy Foster, head of marketing at the 6th Force Support Squadron. "We're a one-stop shop for family fun."

That focus is particularly important this year, the Year of the Air Force Family, said Ms. Foster.

"It's been a family focus all along, but especially this year," she said. "It takes on a special meaning this year."

Programs and activities are geared toward families, and not just Air Force families, Ms. Foster said.

"A misconception is that we are supporting Air Force only," she said. "We are supporting all branches of the military and base personnel, whether they are an individual, single parent and families of all shapes and sizes, including extended family."

The effort of connecting with people and families is being facilitated with social networking via Twitter and Facebook online, Ms. Foster said. The hope is that 1,000 people will have joined as friends of FSS on its Facebook page by end of summer.

Some summer programs are free with DePLAYment Tag Passes, available to families with a copy of a sponsor's orders verifying a TDY for 30 days or more, or 365 PCS, to an Active Operation (which includes Haiti) between July 1, 2009 and July 30, 2010.