Dinner helps strengthen community bonds

As part of Air Force Special Operations Command, the 27th Special Operations Wing and its Air Commandos are part of a proud history and bound to a commitment of unpredictable sacrifices. The men and women proudly serving at Cannon Air Force Base share unique qualities that set them apart as AFSOC airmen.

USAF: Airman 1st Class Alexxis Pons Abascal

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Taneshia Bias, 27th Special Operations Group, attends the Deployed/Remote Family Dinner with her daughter Sept. 4 in the Pecos Trail Dining Facility at Cannon Air Force Base. The event offered members within the Cannon community who currently have deployed spouses the chance to meet other families in the same situation and help alleviate some separation pains.

Of the 13 Critical Attributes that are fundamental to mission success, Family Strength combines two vital aspects of every Air Commando's life: their traditional family and their Air Force one.

"My family shares the challenges, sacrifices and rewards of my profession. We support each other's personal development, independence and strength." — AFSOC Family Strength fundamentals.

Military families are aware that deployments are always a possibility and that their loved one could be called away from home for months at a time. The process of coming to terms with time apart from a spouse or parent can be very difficult. Cannon personnel and helping agencies make every effort to aide in this emotional process.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center and the 27th Special Operations Force Support Squadron held the quarterly Deployed/Remote Family Dinner Sept. 4 in the Pecos Trail Dining Facility on base.

The social event is offered to all members within the Cannon community who have spouses that are currently deployed. The dinner brings together families currently dealing with the hardship that comes from the temporary loss of a family member.

"It's an opportunity to meet people in similar situations to help cope with the separation of their loved ones," said Master Sgt. Richard Gomez, 27 SOFSS. "We work with first sergeants, key spouses and the command chief to help ease some of the separation pains many are feeling for the first time and others know all too well."

The American Legion donated calling cards to be raffled off at the event and the Portales High School cheerleaders provided free gift bags to all families in attendance.

"The great thing about this event is that spouses and children can gain a small feel for what their loved one overseas is doing: eating in a dining facility, spending time with other airmen," said Charles Harris, A&FRC section chief. "It helps young ones gain a sense of familiarity and understanding."