CGOC hosts deployed spouses dinner

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Candice Dillitte
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Everybody deserves a break from slaving away in the kitchen, spouses of deployed members especially. To help the Company Grade Officers Council hosted a deployed spouses dinner May 9 at the base chapel.

The event was open to spouses of deployed members, their families and members who have recently returned from a deployment.

"Hosting the deployed spouses dinner allows Luke Air Force Base CGOs an opportunity to express our gratitude for the many sacrifices that deployed spouses make on a daily basis," said 1st Lt. Steven Ramos, 56th Medical Operations Squadron staff clinical social worker and Luke CGOC president.

"The sacrifices and commitment of deployed spouses cannot be overlooked, and the family dinner allows them time to be catered to and cared for by members of the Luke community," Ramos said.

Members of the CGOC grilled out and provided attendees with an American picnic-themed meal. Adults were treated to free massages given by local massage therapists and arts and crafts were available for the kids.

"The deployed family dinner is a time for stressed parents to come and relax, build up a social support network and let their children play with other children," said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Theadore Wilson, 56th Fighter Wing chaplain."The dinner is a free meal with no cooking or cleaning for those family members whose loved one is deployed," he said.

The occasion is typically held once a month, usually the second Thursday evening of the month. The chapel partners with base agencies to put on the dinner; they support with funds, and the partnering agency helps out with the manpower.

To participate, families do not have to do anything. The chapel just request that individuals interested in attending RSVP to get an accurate head count.
There are other activities the chapel offers for families to participate in.

"Of course we have our regular weekend worship services and various special events throughout year," Wilson said. "We also have Vacation Bible School (June 3-7, 5:30 to 8:00 pm), Hallelujah Night that is held on Halloween, Faith and Family nights at sporting events, marriage retreats and counseling services."

"These events are for our Luke Airmen and their families so come join us!" he said.

For more information on Luke Chapel sponsored events, contact the base chapel at (623) 856-6211.