Deployed family day gets a hand from Glendale P.D.

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Marcy Copeland
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Force Support Squadron held its monthly event, "Hearts Apart" for families who have been separated by deployments or who are remote spouses.
The Glendale Police Department sponsored the event after contacting Master Sgt. Anthony Drew, 56th FSS readiness non-commissioned officer in charge, about wanting to support and to give back to the families of the Luke community.

"Glendale P.D. approached me and wanted to do something for the families at Luke," Drew said. "I told them about the events we do hold at Luke, and they were completely on board and wanted to sponsor this event."

Held at Fowler Park, families enjoyed an evening of bounce houses, K-9 play time, music and a special appearance by the Glendale P.D.  Special Weapons and Tactics Team armored vehicle.

Children could venture in and out of the vehicle, exploring to their hearts content. Children were allowed to sit on the Glendale P.D. motorcycle unit's motorcycles and enjoyed food served by members of the Glendale P.D.

"We put on this barbeque for the families to show support for their sacrifice," said Officer Jeff Pittman, Glendale P.D. neighborhood response squad. "We spoke with Master Sgt. Drew, and he told us about the deployments and how many families it affects, so we wanted to have all the families come out. My father served in the Navy and was constantly deployed. For what my family went through, we wanted to be able to give back."

The 56th FSS holds a monthly event for families who are remotely separated or separated by deployments. These events offer an opportunity for families to came out and enjoy a time of togetherness and to be brought together by the separation of their loved ones. 

"It brings us out to be with other people who also know what it is like to have their spouse away," said Brooke Preston, attendee. "Especially for the kids, it is really hard for them with their parent gone and to be able to be with other families who know what that is like, is really important for us. These events help those of us who live off base come into the Luke community as well."