A&FRC hosts Hearts Apart pool party

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrea Valencia
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Tyndall's Airmen and Family Readiness Center hosted a "Hearts Apart" pool party June 25 for families of deployed servicemembers.

The Hearts Apart program is a support program for families of deployed members, families of personnel who are serving on a remote tour, and also for single member's families. The program's main goal is to show appreciation to spouses and children by keeping them involved with the base community.

"These events are fun activities for our families!" said Tech. Sgt. Lloyd Estes, 325th Force Support Squadron A&FRC readiness NCO. "Most of all, it's a great way to connect with other spouses or children that are going through the same stresses as you during deployments."

Meredith Head attended the event with her four children. Her husband, Force Support Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Brad Head, deployed to Afghanistan two months ago.

"This is the first time we've come to a hearts apart event. I heard from the neighbors what it was a fun thing to do," said Mrs. Head. "With your spouse gone, it gets hard to keep the kids occupied."

The party featured complimentary food and drinks, an underwater toy search, bean bag toss, hula-hoop competition, rubber ducky fishing, and letter writing to deployed parents. The event also featured a toddler pool and yard water toys for the younger children.

The program also provides families with additional resources on base.

"We provide opportunities for the families to have three 15 minutes phone calls per week to their loved ones. Families are also given priority for "Give Parents a Break" program, which the Child Development Center holds once a month," said Sergeant Estes. "We also provide "PlayPass" to families and single members. PlayPass is an Air Force initiative to give family members and returning deployers on recreation and leisure programs."

The next Hearts Apart event will be a Back to School Bowling Bash at Raptor Lanes in August.

For additional information about the Hearts Apart program, call the A&FRC at 850-283-4204.