Wolf Pack's antidote for the holiday blues

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Roy Lynch
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea --  Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, is one of the last remotes in the Air Force. Most Wolf Pack Airmen are away from family members and for some are separated for the first time during the holidays. Thanks to the First Sergeant Council, Chapel staff and Airmen and Family Readiness Flight, the Wolf Pack will have a fighting chance against the holiday blues this season.
"We need to let our Wolf Pack family know that we are here for them," said Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 8th Medical Group first sergeant. "We will do everything in our power to make sure that Wolf Pack Airmen are safe during the holidays. The worst thing we can do is allow even one person to sit through this season alone."
The first sergeants will take care of their respective units through increased visibility and morale visits at squadron and group events.

"The First Sergeants Council's goal is to increase availability and reinforce the fact that nobody here has to go through the holidays alone," said Sergeant Miller.

The First Sergeants Council is planning a base-wide "Sub-4-Santa" program where the First Sergeants Council will be accepting donations for gift cards that will be sent to family members of our Airmen who may be having financial difficulties. The fund drive will start sometime in early December, so the gift cards can be sent out in time for the holidays.

"This program is geared toward lessening the financial impact of maintaining two households and easing the emotional burden of trying to find money for gift or food purchases over the holidays," said Sergeant Miller.

With the first sergeants watching over Airmen, the Chapel staff is here to build the spiritual fitness of the Wolf Pack.

"Taking care of Wolf Pack Airmen during the holiday season is part of our competency of caring for Airmen," said Chaplain (Capt.) Efren Adversario, 8th Fighter Wing chaplain. "The holiday season brings out memories of being around family and loved ones. Since we don't have that here, we'll have to take care of each other."

In addition to church services, the chapel staff will also host a Watch Night event Dec 31. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and end with a breakfast at 1 a.m. There will be movies, games and fellowship to help ring in the New Year, without alcohol, in a family atmosphere. The event takes place at the Sonlight Inn.

"Our goal is to make the Chapel and Sonlight Inn feel like a home for Wolf Pack Airmen," said Tech Sgt. Ida Davis, 8th Fighter Wing noncommissioned officer in charge of chapel operations. "For the next 365 days, this will be our home."

Before ringing in the New Year with other Wolf Pack family members, Airmen should contact their family back home. If they need assistance in doing so, the Airmen and Family Readiness Flight is here to help them.

"Just because we are physically disconnected from our families and friends, doesn't mean we have to be in spirit," said Tech Sgt. Melanie Temple, 8th Force Support Squadron. "A weekly, if not daily talk, on the phone, or Skyping is a great way to be a part of our loved ones lives."

Airmen and Family Readiness Flight offers classes through Mental Health and a Military Family Life Consultant to assist Airmen who have a difficult time during the holiday season. These classes are: How to Manage Stress, Anger Management Class, Managing Personnel in Distress and Beating the Holiday Blues.

An on-going initiative at the library allows Airmen to produce video messages to send to loved ones. Members use library computers to record a DVD of good wishes and holiday cheer that can then be sent home. This free service can help families connect with someone who cannot be home to share the holiday with them.

"During the holidays, it's important to remember the Wolf Pack is a family," said Col. Robert Givens, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "While we may miss those at home, we have the comfort of companionship with those we work and fight with everyday."