Deployed Airmen families gather for Spring Social Published March 18, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Tyndall Air Force Base Airmen and Family Readiness center hosted a "Hearts Apart" Spring Social March 6 for families of deployed servicemembers. The focus of the party was to show support to the families while their loved ones are away. "Hearts Apart provides a way for the families left behind to come together once a quarter in a fun and relaxing environment; a break from the day to day grind," said Jodie Schwartz, Airmen and Family Readiness flight chief. The evening consisted of a pizza dinner, craft making, face painting and a bouncy castle for children. "We had a great turnout with more than 30 people," said Master Sgt. Kat Mygan, 325th Misson Support Squadron family readiness program manager and party coordinator. "This is a great way to let our families know they are part of the Air Force family and they are not alone. Hearts Apart is to get the families out and to tell them, 'Hey, don't worry about a thing. Come out, and have a good time with us.'" Amanda Henderson, wife of a deployed Airman, attended the party with her son. "It's nice to have some support and to meet other people in the same boat as me," Mrs. Henderson said. "Plus my son can meet others also missing their dads." Sergeant Mygan said next month they're planning a 'Warrior Farewell' for deploying members to attend with their families letting them know the resources available to both of them while the Airman is away. "Not only do we want to take care of the families while their loved ones are away, but we also want our Airmen to be assured their families are being taken care of back home," she said. The sergeant also added they're planning the next Hearts Apart event near Mothers' Day.