Families offer Airmen a Home for the Holidays Published Oct. 21, 2011 By Connie Hempel 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and families in the San Angelo community are setting extra plates at their tables for the annual Home for the Holidays program. Last year, about 100 Airmen took advantage of the program, sharing in Thanksgiving Day festivities with local families. Although this allowed for more than 30 invitations to be filled, about half of the requests weren't, according to the wing's Home for the Holidays coordinator, Staff Sgt. Michael Berkley, 17th Training Group. "Some Airmen are hesitant to accept an invitation because they don't know the family or they feel uncomfortable in someone else's home," Berkley said. "But, a lot of requests are from people who are either prior service or have a family member in the military. They are strong supporters of the military, and they always tell me how much they look forward to welcoming other service members into their home." The program isn't just limited to students. Berkley said permanent party Airmen who live in the dorms can contact him if they're interested in filling an invitation. Students should speak to their military training leaders about participating. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 18. Berkley said Airmen who have participated in the past always provide positive feedback. "They tell me how much they enjoyed their time with the families, and how the families made them feel appreciated," he said. "So those who are uncertain shouldn't feel scared because this community and the families who open their homes to them are proud military supporters." Families interested in hosting a service member at their home for Thanksgiving Day festivities, and permanent party Airmen interested in participating should contact Berkley at (325) 654-3865 or email 17.trg.tsm@goodfellow.af.mil.
