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Fun, Sun, Family Time

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Davis
  • 162nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 162nd Fighter Wing's November Unit Training Assembly incorporated wing-wide block training, Airmen recognition, and family appreciation fun. Saturday kicked off with the first ever annual block training which combined more than 30 hours of computer-based training into one single training event. The event included a multitude of subject matter experts, educational slides, and informative videos.

According to Chief Master Sergeant Shane Clark, the 162nd Fighter Wing's command chief master sergeant, November's block training went quickly and smoothly, and a positive response was voiced by Airmen base-wide. The training was designed to benefit work center training needs allowing offices to focus on on-the-job training throughout the rest of the year. This keeps our Airmen fully trained and mission ready, said Clark.

"The training was very successful," said Staff Sergeant Debany Wood, a member of the 162nd Fighter Wing Communications Squadron and one of the subject matter experts. The event was well planned and the audience was attentive allowing the speakers to effectively convey their information, she said.

Saturday afternoon boasted a tribute to exceptional airmen throughout the wing, and honored others who served their country, and their state, while on deployed missions during the past year. More than 30 Airmen were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the wing, and more than 40 Airmen were recognized as Hometown Heroes.

Technical Sergeant Irasema Perry, contracting officer representative for the 16nd Fighter Wing, was honored as NCO of the Year for the wing during the ceremony. "It's nice to be noticed," she said. "You come to work to do your job, not thinking anyone is going to notice your hard work, and then someone does." The award was a surprise to TSgt. Perry, but a greatly appreciated one.

"These awardees are a small representation of the outstanding work that all of our Airmen are doing," said Clark.

"We want to recognize our best, but we need to keep in mind that our best airmen couldn't have gotten where they are without the backing of the entire organization. Family Appreciation Day is a way of saying thank you to all of our hard working airmen, and more importantly, their families," said Clark.

This was the second year that Family Appreciation Day was held at the Tucson ANG base here. It was brought back to the base last year so Airmen could spend time with their families where they work, and their families can see where their loved ones serve, said Clark.

"This year's Family Appreciation Day turned out really well," said Wood. "It's nice to have a day to break away from work and spend time relaxing and socializing with friends we don't normally get to see during the week or on drill weekends. Having it here at the base has benefited members and their families because we don't need to go anywhere to have this type of family fun."

"It's really nice that our families can come," said TSgt. Perry who enjoyed the Family Appreciation Day with her children and grandchildren. It's nice to be able to share what you do with your family, and interact with people you're normally too busy to see. "My family really enjoyed their time here," she said.

November's events were appreciated throughout the wing by members and their families, and gave many a rare glimpse into the unique and successful mission of the 162nd Fighter Wing.