403rd Family, Herc Day a Success

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kimberly Erickson
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  Where did 800 hamburgers, 600 hot dogs and more than 220 pounds of jambalaya go April 10?

Into the happy stomachs of more than 1500 Reservists and their families from the 403rd Wing, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., who gathered at the base marina for Wing Family Day.

The second annual event featured many family-oriented activities, Maj. Edward Segura, 403rd Services Flight commander and project coordinator for the event, said.

"We had the 403rd fire truck on display as well as children's craft workshops guided by volunteers from Lowe's and Home Depot, who also supplied the materials," Major Segura said.

Wing Family Day also included a military working dog demonstration by the 81st Security Forces Squadron, pontoon boat rides and a video gaming station.

"The kids had a blast and the food was great," said Staff Sgt. Brandy Conner, 403rd Civil Engineer Squadron. "My daughter really enjoyed building a wooden butterfly house at the arts and crafts station."

Senior Airman Harriet Young, 41st Aerial Port Squadron, said the talent show performances and watching families interact in a relaxed environment were the highlight of the afternoon.

"I also liked the Cajun rice and beans," she said. "Even though I don't typically like beans, the cook insisted I try them, and I'm glad I did."

"Operation Herc Day, held in conjunction with Wing Family Day, gave children a chance to see what their parents do on drill weekends at the 403rd Wing and when they deploy," said Major Segura.

"The children that went through the Herc Day event were just beaming," he said. "The parents were really happy and it really brought the whole family together."

"My son was very excited when he found out he would receive a coin from the general after completing the mock deployment training," said Master Sgt. Jason Creel, 403rd Civil Engineer Squadron utilities supervisor.

Sergeant Creel said his son's interest in the Herc Day activities encouraged him to show and explain the significance of his own coin collection when they returned home from the event.

"It gave me a chance to teach him a little about Air Force tradition, as well as share some of my past military experiences and deployments," Sergeant Creel said.

"I was very proud that he showed an interest what I do for the military," he said. "Hopefully someday he'll still be interested in the military and pursue it."

In addition to simulated deployment activities at the 403rd Maintenance Group deployment center, participants had an opportunity to complete a bag drag relay and watch a drill demonstration performed by 81st Training Wing technical training students.

"Herc Day is our way of thanking the children for 'sharing' their parents with the 403rd Wing," said Brig. Gen. James Muscatell, 403rd Wing commander.

"Several organizations assisted in making both of these events a success," said Major Segura. "The Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, USO, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Biloxi, and 81st Training Wing 'Dragon Dollars' morale fund were just a few of the sponsors."

"We bought more food this year than last, and there was an even bigger turn out than anticipated," said Major Segura. "Next year, we plan to serve more food to accommodate our expanding wing family."

"I hope everyone had a really good time," he said. "We welcome any feedback to make next year's event even better."

Major Segura said he encourages anyone who has suggestions or is interested in volunteering to email him at edward.segura.1@us.af.mil.   For more photos of Family Day go to www.facebook.com/403wg.