Airmen and Family Readiness Center to host military child celebration

26 Feb 2010 | Andre Bowser

The Airman and Family Readiness Center is hosting an annual event for children in April, which will include a tour of a C-5B Galaxy.

The center's director, Andrea Bowen, said all military families are welcome to the Month of the Military Child event scheduled for April 11.

The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Base Hangar. However, C-5 tours start at 9 a.m. and require registration with the center before the April event.

The Month of the Military Child event will include bounce houses for children, an Easter Egg hunt, face painting, arts and crafts, games, clowns, giveaways, as well as hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and other treats compliments of USO, Ms. Bowen said.

The director expected at least 100 children, and that the base held the event two years ago with a similar turnout.

"We plan to put the event on every year from now on," said Ms. Bowen, who is a social worker and started at the center in July 2009.

Regarding the April event, President Barack Obama issued the following statement: "In 1986, April was designated as the Month of The Military Child, and I am proud to mark the special recognition the Department of Defense has given to military children."

Best of all, Bowen said: "The event is totally free to military children," including active duty, reserve and National Guard.

The event is sponsored by Westover, the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Galaxy Council, military spouses and community volunteers.

For more information about the Month of the Military Child, contact the Westover Airman and Family Readiness Center at 413-557-3024.