Families prepare for new school year

The Landing Zone and Airman & Family Readiness Center co-hosted the First Friday "Back to School Bash," Aug. 3 at Cannon Air Force Base.

USAF: Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Richard Gomez, 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron, hands out free backpacks to military dependents Aug. 3 at The Landing Zone at Cannon Air Force Base.

Cannon families and local school officials came together to provide information, answer questions and strengthen the bond between the base and surrounding educational institutions for a successful school year.

"This is a community initiative to get families and local schools to come out and communicate with each other," said Charles Harris, A&FRC. "Events like this are a community effort and won't have future success unless people continue to come out and support."

Backpacks loaded with school supplies were just one of the many items provided free-of-charge to those in attendance.

"We love coming out to Cannon, meeting new faces and continuing this community growth," said Cindy Martin, Clovis Schools Deputy Superintendent for Instruction. "We like to show support for all families and children, and Cannon is no exception. This particular event is very beneficial to us; each year it's gotten progressively better and hopefully this face-to-face interaction eases any anxiety parents have toward the new school year."