Operation Family Circle - highlights STEM, celebrates family

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza, 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
  • 349 AMW
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Reserve Citizen Airmen of the 349th Air Mobility Wing hosted Operation Family Circle Sept. 8, 2018 at Travis Air Force Base, California. Airmen and their families rallied at Travisville Park where they experienced a variety of demonstration booths, activities and food.

Approximately 200 Airmen and family members partook in the day’s festivities while learning about agencies such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

“We’re here to connect with our fellow Airmen and their family members to allow them an opportunity to learn more about the Air Force and support programs that they may not be aware of,” said Staff Sgt. Judy Yon, 349th AMW financial management senior air reserve technician. “We have many different agencies here today that provide excellent support services especially when the military member is deployed.”

Former security forces members Tech. Sgt. Tara Armstrong, 349th Force Support Squadron, and her husband Jeff, said they enjoyed the event with their children.

“This is a great event,” said Jeff. “The wife and I love bringing our children to these kinds of functions. It lets them see first-hand what our old career field was like.”

Armstrong said that his sons’ favorite booth was the security forces booth, because they enjoyed the different weapon systems and equipment.

“The boys love the guns and the gear,” said the prior defender. “They put the body armor on and found out that it is a lot heavier than it looks. They realized that it is a lot harder than (Activision’s) Call of Duty makes it seem.”

Operation Family Circle also gave children a chance to try a variety of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics activities such as making slime and straw rockets. Families were also able to witness an Explosive Ordinance Disposal robot in action, as well as tour C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III static displays.

“Judging from the number of attendees and interaction with families, this event was very successful, and a wonderful way to expose families to our military community,” said Yon.