Team JSTARS leaders say thanks with Family Day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Regina Young
  • 116th ACW Public Affairs
Saturday was a day of celebration for Team JSTARS as they marked their 10th annual Family Day.

According to Team JSTARS leadership, the event was designed to provide Airmen, soldiers and civilians an opportunity to spend the day with their families and thank them for their support. More than 1,400 people attended.

"It was an awesome way to say thanks to the ones who support us the most," said Col. Kevin Clotfelter, 116th Air Control Wing commander.

Families were able to tour the E-8C Joint STARS aircraft with aircrew members from the 128th and 16th Airborne Command and Control squadrons who explained first-hand how Team JSTARS works together to support combatant commanders around the world.

"It was a lot of fun," said 1st Lt. Robert Belus, 16th ACCS. "A lot of kids were really excited to see what their parents do."

The children's hangar was a hub of activity with inflatable games, cotton candy and a live replica of the Batmobile.

Outside, the weather provided a perfect backdrop for the 5K "runway" fun run/walk and a car and motorcycle show.

The 116th Medical Group, 78th Joint Task Force, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives medical element also shared their missions with the crowd. "The response of the people has been excellent," said Master Sgt. Benny Smith, 116th MDG, 78th JTF medical logistics technician. "A lot of people didn't know we had these capabilities in the state of Georgia."

Col. Dean Worley, 461st ACW commander, attributed the day's turnout of more than 1,000 wing members to a lot of planning and hard work from volunteers. "It was indeed a big success, well done." he said.