Hundreds of Citizen Airmen From 920th Rescue Wing Celbrate Annual Family Day Festivities

By  //  December 7, 2017

event included spouse flights in Pave Hawk helicopter

Hundreds of Citizen Airmen and their families gathered in Hangar 750 to celebrate the 920th Rescue Wing’s annual family day Dec. 2, 2017.

BREVARD COUNTY • PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA — Hundreds of Citizen Airmen and their families gathered in Hangar 750 to celebrate the 920th Rescue Wing’s annual family day last week.

This year’s event included spouse flights in an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, a Santa’s Helper aircraft rappel demonstration, a meet-and-greet with Santa, a children’s deployment line, aircraft and vehicle static displays, activities for children and refreshments.

“Thank you for being here and for all of your unwavering support to our Citizen Airmen,” said Col. Ian Chase, 920th Rescue Wing vice commander to the families in attendance.

“It is a tough job being a military spouse, one that my wife knows all too well. Without the love and support of family, we could not do what we do. Today is about all of you, so have fun and enjoy the festivities.”

The highlight of this year’s event for roughly 150 spouses was their 20-minute helicopter flight around the local area.

“I had such a great time,” said Diana Garrido, who flew once before with the 920th RQW during a spouse flight in the 90s. “I loved today even more than the first time. The views from the chopper are the best. Nothing compares to it.”

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Garrido, wife of Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Garrido, 920th Maintenance Group, said while her kids are grown now, they always enjoyed the children’s activities in the past and this year’s event had more than ever.

“This is a great way to have all the families come together and enjoy wholesome family time,” she said. “Our kids always enjoyed it and we have great memories.”

This year children had the opportunity to process through a mock deployment line with giveaways, run through an obstacle course, bounce in an inflatable raft, decorate cookies and do a variety of crafts.

Kids also climbed in an HC-130N King, HH-60 Pave Hawk, military police car and military fire truck on static display. There was also helicopter and military working dog demonstrations.

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