132nd Fighter Wing holds Hometown Hero Salute and Family Open House

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Lowell E. (Ed) Schellhase Jr.
  • 132 FW/CCM
Des Moines, Iowa --  Saturday, 6 November during the Unit Training Assembly (UTA) a "Group Open House" will be held for unit & family members. This will be a no-fly day with a focus on Airmen spending time with their families in an "open house" environment here at the 132nd Fighter Wing. Airmen are highly encouraged to invite their families to the base so they can show them where they work and what they do when they come to UTA's. We would encourage units to have displays that showcase their missions, possibly have slide shows running in their classrooms, etc. We are also planning a photo opportunity in or near the West Hangar in front of an F-16 aircraft. Due to the uncertainties of the weather in November, outside family activities that would normally occur during a "Family Day" will not be planned.

Families are invited to join their Airmen at the Dining Facility for lunch, paid for by Family Readiness, and prepared/served by the Sustainment Services Flight. Soon you will be receiving a letter in the mail with more information about this and a request to RSVP on the noon meal by COB September UTA so they can ensure they have enough food ordered. Family Readiness will also be providing information on events in Des Moines that weekend for your family to do should they be traveling from outside this area.

At predetermined times and locations during the UTA, Maintenance Group, Operations Group, Mission Support Group, Medical Group, and Wing Staff will hold ceremonies to present their Hometown Heroes Salute awards. Group Commanders will be coordinating specifics on their ceremonies. State leadership and other DV's will be invited to attend.

All Wing Airmen and their families will gather in the West Hangar late afternoon. We will have our annual Wing Awards Ceremony and ORI recognition/out-brief, followed by light refreshments.

At all levels, please help get the word out on this now so the event can be advertised and family participation can be maximized. There will be more detailed information made available as the planning evolves.