403rd Wing celebrates Airman and Family Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicholas Monteleone
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Members of the 403rd Wing and their families participated in the annual Airman and Family Day May 2 during the wing's unit training assembly here.

The 403rd Wing Human Resources Development Council hosted the event at the base marina, which was attended by more than 1,500 people. There was a wide variety of entertainment, including live music, a dunking booth, a pie-in-the-face event, and activities for children, such as craft making, playing on the marina splash pad, jumping in bounce houses and face painting.

The event took place during a visit to the wing from Maj. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, 22nd Air Force commander , and Chief Master Sgt. Michael F. Thorpe, 22nd Air Force command chief. The general and chief took part in the festivities, noting the positive impact Airman and Family Day can have on members.

"It was just a wonderful opportunity for our families and our friends to get together and enjoy some camaraderie and espirit de corps with our people," said Thorpe. "Without question, it was one of the best family days I've ever been to."

Col. Frank L. Amodeo, 403rd Wing commander, spoke to the crowd regarding the importance of the event.

"It's vital that we take the time to take this break and build upon our relationships with one another," he said.