116th celebrates family day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Sarah Meinecke
  • 116th Air Control Wing
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Finding fun for the whole family wasn't hard for 116th Air Control Wing members on Oct. 20. 

Instead, wing members and their families had too many choices for entertainment on what turned out to be a sunny Saturday afternoon in late fall. Starting early in the morning with a 5K run/walk available to everyone and concluding with live entertainment in the afternoon, it was a Family Day with activities catering to all ages. 

Smiling faces could be seen throughout the three hangers dedicated solely to building camaraderie among co-workers, and it appears that this mission was accomplished.
"We're trying to keep our morale up with more Family Days, more golf tournaments (and) more fun runs," said Brig. Gen. Tom Moore, who gave an opening speech at the start of Family Day. 

Gen. Moore was part of the many participants that took part in the Family Day 5K run/walk around the base. His son, Tyler Moore, took second place in the men's race, which was won by Mike Bates with a time of 20:20. Tyler Moore finished just 12 seconds behind, and Mark Weber took third with a time of 21:45. 

In the women's race, Rebecca Williamson was awarded first place by a time of 24:13, and was followed by Christina Kibler (27:45) and Nicole Swain (29:53). 

The celebration in the three bays began at 10 a.m., when the menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, cole slaw and chips started getting served to the masses. But before eating, wing members and their families had a number of activities to check out. 

Three planes - the C-130, the F-15 and the E-8C - were open and waiting for family members and staff to take a walk through. The C-130 had been flown in from the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, and the flight crew was giving tours to any interested parties. After going through the C-130, many made their way to the F-15 where a professional photographer shot photos inside the plane. 

"We are having a great time," said Senior Master Sergeant Joey Reeves, who was enjoying the day with his wife Kathy and four children. 

Added Kathy Reeves, "It's great (that this is offered). We are enjoying ourselves."
The majority of families could be found in either the food hanger, or the children's activities hanger that was bursting with activity. Children could bounce around on one of the inflatable jungle gyms, or get their face painted. Musical numbers were played while cotton candy was passed out. 

And for the adults, live entertainment was provided by The Scotts and Ham Band, which could be enjoyed with the adult beverages provided. For all the car and bike lovers out there, collectors brought out such cars as a Lt. Col. Tom Burgess' 1963 Cobra Replica. Also on display were a couple convertibles, a 1967 Chevelle and a pair of Choppers. 

"It's actually not bad," said Master Sergeant Beau Hill, as he enjoyed his lunch. "It's cool to see unity within the unit."