352nd SOW give insider's look on Spouse Appreciation Day

By Senior Airman Justine Rho , 352nd Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Office / Published June 01, 2017

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Four spouses sit on the ramp of an MC-130J Commando II during an orientation flight, May 26, 2017, during the 352d Special Operations Wing Spouses Appreciation Day on RAF Mildenhall, England. The flight flew to the White Cliffs of Dover. The orientation flights were provided to give spouses a greater understanding of the mission their Airmen support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

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352d Special Operations Wing spouses board a CV-22 Osprey for an orientation flight May 25, 2017, at Spouses Appreciation Day on RAF Mildenhall, England. The flight flew over Framlingham Castle and other areas of East Anglia. The orientation flights were provided to give spouses a greater understanding of the mission their Airmen supports. (Courtesy photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Lord)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 352d Special Operations Wing socialize with their families during Spouses Appreciation Day, May 25, 2017, on RAF Mildenhall, England. Family members had the opportunity to tour static displays and learn about equipment Airmen use to accomplish their daily duties. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

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352d Special Operations Wing spouses receive a pre-flight briefing May 25, 2017, during Spouses Appreciation Day on RAF Mildenhall, England. Following the brief, spouses were issued safety equipment and then escorted to a CV-22 Osprey for their orientation flight, which flew over Framlingham Castle, Suffolk. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

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Spouses view the White Cliffs of Dover, England, from the window and ramp of an MC-130J Commando II, May 25, 2017, during an orientation flight offered during the 352d Special Operations Wing Spouses Appreciation Day on RAF Mildenhall, England. The orientation flights were provided to give spouses a greater understanding of the mission their Airmen supports. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

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352d Special Operations Wing spouses are issued safety equipment for their orientation flights by a CV-22 Osprey May 25, 2017, at Spouses Appreciation Day on RAF Mildenhall, England. The flight flew over Framlingham Castle and other areas of East Anglia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justine Rho)

RAF MILDENHALL, England –

Air Commandos held an annual 352nd Special Operations Wing Spouse Appreciation Day on May 25, 2017. The mission for the day was to give spouses an insider’s look at the wing’s mission, express gratitude for their support and sacrifice and, of course, have fun.

“All military spouses play a huge part in supporting the mission,” said Lt. Col. Martin Weeks, 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron Operations Officer. “In support of specialized airpower, the sacrifices that 352nd SOW spouses make is unmatched. This day is our opportunity to show them some much-deserved public recognition. We are really rolling out the red carpet this year, providing a welcoming environment for spouses to enjoy the event.”

The day’s itinerary included orientation flights on either a CV-22 Osprey or an MC-130J Commando II, a 100th Security Forces Squadron military working dog demonstration, a 321st Special Tactics Squadron military free-fall, a flight-line falcon presentation, the opportunity to visit the air traffic control tower, and the chance to use the CV-22 simulator. Additionally, Air Commandos showcased aircraft static displays and job-specific equipment, while base agencies detailed services available to Airmen and their families.

The event was accomplished through the efforts of a planning committee and volunteers. Their hard work and organization didn’t go unnoticed.

“It was an awesome event and, as a spouse, I do appreciate the efforts of everyone involved to make the day fun and an overall rewarding experience,” said Kelli Thormann, spouse of a 352nd SOSS technical sergeant.

Providing spouses insight into the wing’s operations allows an understanding of the significance in the daily sacrifices made by the Airmen’s support system.

“Our Airmen consistently exceed the standards in terms of mission accomplishment,” said Col. Matthew Smith, 352nd SOW commander. “This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a dedication to service and sacrifice from every member of the team, and our spouses shoulder a large part of that burden.”