Ceremony held for Little Heroes and Spouses are Heroes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Justin Shelton
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
On Sept. 14, the Airman and Family Readiness Center (AFRC) held a ceremony for the family members of deployed personnel at the AFRC. The staff of the AFRC combined the two ceremonies together making for a night of appreciation for children and spouses alike.

While the ceremony was meant mostly for the benefit of the children, the parents were provided with information on programs that the AFRC has available for the family of deployed members.

Master Sgt. Susan Smith, 22nd Mission Support Squadron, the AFRC enlisted coordinator, helped set up the evening's event.

"This is the second ever Little Heroes Ceremony, and tonight we are combining the Spouses are Heroes Ceremony with it," she said.

Five spouses were presented with a certificate and lapel pin for their service on the home front during the deployment of their significant other. Maj. Robert Triplett, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander, presented the awards to the children and spouses.

All of the children were awarded with certificates in honor of their struggle without their parents, in addition to a wrist band with the words "I Serve Too" printed on it. The Little Heroes Ceremony consisted of children 1 years of age and older. Children 10 years of age or older were presented with a coin. Children under 10 years old were given a flag pin.

The children and spouses are qualified for the Little Heroes/ Spouses are Heroes programs when either or both of their parents/significant others have been deployed for 45 or more consecutive days within a one year period.

Major Triplett spoke to the recipients after the ceremony.

"I will do anything I can to help make things easier on the families of all deployed members. They serve just as much as we do," he said.

This group of Little Heroes that just graduated is only, the second to ever go through the AFRC's program. With many more to follow, this program is just one of the ways the AFRC gives back to the families for their service and commitment within the duration of their loved one's deployment.