Far apart but close at heart: You are not alone

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey
  • 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada --  'Tis the season to be jolly. But for some families there is a little less cheer this year as they are missing their loved ones who are deployed or serving remote tours overseas.

In efforts to boost the holiday cheer for the spouses and children of Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases, Nevada, the Las Vegas USO, in conjunction with the Gary Sinise Foundation, hosted a deployed spouses' dinner Dec. 18, 2014, at the Aliante Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

Families and children enjoyed a night away from their usual routine and received dinner and a holiday care package, and visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who gave toys to children.

Shameeza Subtil, the wife of an Airman stationed at Creech, said she was initially reluctant to come to the event because she's usually not comfortable around people she doesn't know. However, she decided to give the event a chance anyway.

"[My husband] finally talked me into going," she said. "This event gives you a break from the normal daily life. Whether or not you interact with other families, just having these people around builds a different environment. It's a great experience, and on the plus side, it makes the time go by faster because you have something to look forward to."

Each of the children at the event had an opportunity to sit with Santa and choose a toy. For Lailah Subtil, 4, meeting Santa and receiving her gift was the highlight of her night.

"I got a Barbie from Santa," said Lailah. "She has four purses and you can even change her clothes and shoes."

Although the toys were a highlight for some kids, Lailah's sister Sonali, 6, thought other parts of the night were the icing on the cake.

"We get to see a show and have dessert. I had chocolate cake, and anything chocolate is my favorite," Sonali said. "My favorite part of ... is the dessert."

Kate Slawski, Las Vegas USO program manager, said she knows firsthand what it is like to be the spouse of a deployed member, so it means a lot to her to be able to have a role in setting up these types of events for other families.

"I went on all of the spouse forums and really tried to find out what it is the families need," she said. "This is a way for us to provide them an opportunity to relax, get to know the key spouses, shirts, and commanders. It lets them know we are here to give them the support they might need."

Col. James Cluff, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said he thinks the dinners for deployed spouses are helpful in two ways. The first is that the events are a way for families to feel confident in knowing that the military appreciates the sacrifices they make while their loved ones are away. Second, he feels it is important families know their service member's leadership, commanders, first shirts, and key spouses, and see that they recognize those sacrifices as well.

"I think it will make [the families] more willing to come and talk to us when they need help, and more willing to ask for help. They'll have that true impression and awareness that we care about them and their needs," Cluff said. "More importantly, for the folks who are deployed, we recognize their families and give them the peace of mind that someone is looking out for their families and thinking about them while the member is downrange."

The commander also gave some words of encouragement for those families and spouses who are hesitant to attend these types of events. He explained that he's heard of so many families and young spouses who deal with these types of situations alone, but once they get out they are able to meet others and build a community with people in similar situations.

"Find the courage to come, because you're not alone," he said. "These spouses and families might be struggling, maybe they have young children, and there's a lot of stress and pressure. But there are other people and families out there who are in the same boat as you. If you come here and are a part of this, you're going to find somebody who can commiserate with what you're going through, who understands the trials of what you are going through, and they can help you."

Cluff also thanked the Las Vegas USO and the Gary Sinise Foundation, which made the event possible for Creech and Nellis families.

"I would like to thank the [Las Vegas] USO and all the help they provide the men and women of Nellis and Creech," Cluff said. "I can't emphasize enough how amazing it is to have an organization like the USO that looks out for our deployed members and their families. It's an amazing level of support, and we are so thankful to have them helping us."

Chief Master Sgt. Butch Brien, 432nd Wing command chief, said he feels the interaction between the spouses, leadership and others who attend, is what really makes the events special.

"I truly believe in taking care of families, in the importance of one-on-one time for families to share with the key spouses, first shirts, and commanders, and having the opportunity to step out and network," he said. "This is a great event, especially for the younger folks who are possibly going through this for the first time."

Stephanie Lanier, Gary Sinise Foundation event and entertainment manager, said she was honored to have the opportunity to be part of the event. This was just a small way to let the deployed members and their families know that they are not forgotten.

"Our whole mission is to serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need," She said. "We want to boost the morale and let these families know that they are not forgotten, and their sacrifices are just as important as the members who are deployed."

Although the founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation could not attend the event, he recorded a special message for the families in attendance this year.

"We never do enough to show our gratitude to our nation's defenders - we could always do a little more," said Gary Sinise, Gary Sinise Foundation founder. "We would also like to thank Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases, first shirts, chiefs, and commanders for helping to make the deployed family members dinners successful. Thank you for showing up ... and taking time away from your families to support the men and women deployed and their families."