USCENTCOM hosts open house for families

  • Published
  • By Sgt. Fredrick J. Coleman
  • U.S. Central Command public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  U.S. Central Command leaders opened the doors to the headquarters April 18 to host the families of USCENTCOM personnel during the first ever Family Open House.

The event, which drew more than 1,300 family members, gave families the opportunity to learn more about the contributions their USCENTCOM member makes to the command, and also the USCENTCOM mission and the complexity of the area of responsibility.

Additionally, the event gave senior leaders a chance to thank family members for supporting their sponsors by giving them an unclassified look at how the command operates.

The event kicked off with members escorting their families to see their specific workspaces, followed by a brief from their directorate senior leaders. During that time, directors introduced themselves and explained their department's role within the command.

After directorate briefs, USCENTCOM members gave their families self-paced tours of the building pointing out some of the highlights including the wall featuring all the Medal of Honor recipients from battles that took place in the command's AOR, and the Joint Operations Center where joint staff members provide timely, accurate and actionable information to the commander and component commanders.

Families were also able to visit interactive static displays set up around the facility. These included small-arms weapons, non-lethal weapons, media briefing and night-vision goggles.

One of the more popular displays, a baton training demonstration, allowed kids the opportunity to test their training baton wielding skills on an instructor wearing protective equipment.

"It was cool to hit the guy wearing red with the stick," said Isaiah Hooks, 7 years old.
In addition, Vice Adm. Mark Fox, USCENTCOM deputy commander, and Army Maj. Gen. Michael Garrett, USCENTCOM chief of staff, gave AOR briefs to the families to better explain the role of the command.

"Although USCENTCOM is the smallest of the geographic combatant commands, this is where most of the action is happening," said Vice Adm. Fox during his brief.

At the event's conclusion, several spouses and children said it helped them better understand the USCENTCOM mission and their sponsor's role at the command.

"I appreciate the opportunity to visit where my husband works and learn more about CENTCOM," said Blanca Perez, wife of Gunnery Sgt. Roque Perez, who works with USCENTCOM's Special Security Office. "It was nice of the generals to invite us [families] to headquarters and explain how this place works. I feel more comfortable knowing that families aren't forgotten here."