New calendar schedules the Year of the Air Force Family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Five thousand "A Year In The Life...." 2009-2010 Team Offutt calendars will be distributed to Offutt families starting Dec. 3, giving family members a centralized location to find out about events across the base.

"The Year of the Air Force Family is so important to us," said Donna Rachels, 55th Force Support Squadron's marketing director. "We needed to show everyone that there's an awful lot to offer at Offutt."

Events on the calendar range from classes held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center to Air Combat Command Family Days to holiday celebrations.

The calendar, a first for Offutt, grew from discussions between Lt. Col. Denise Cooper, 55th FSS commander, and Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander, in response to the dedication of the Year of the Air Force Family, said Ms. Rachels.

A wide variety of units worked to collect all classes, celebrations and ceremonies into one publication, to spread the word about what is offered here at Offutt and the outside communities, said Laura Shanahan, wife of General John N.T. Shanahan. She said she hopes the trend catches on at other Air Force bases.

"It's important to highlight everything done by base facilities to promote family time and togetherness," said Mrs. Shanahan.

The calendar was not an easy task to complete because there are many organizations with events to advertise, said Ms. Rachels. Efforts were taken to make sure the Air Force Weather Agency, U.S. Strategic Command and 55th Wing happenings were represented, she continued.

Mrs. Shanahan said that she's sure some events have been missed, but they hope to include more next year. An electronic copy of the calendar, posted on Offutt and FSS websites, will be updated with new activities not included in the printed version, she added.

"This is just a start," said General Shanahan. "We look forward to hearing about some other great ideas on how we can properly honor the year of the military family and the YOAFF."