Movie event special experience for Little Rock children

  • Published
  • By Arlo Taylor
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. (AFNS) --  While many families take watching a movie at a movie theater with their children for granted, 36 Little Rock Air Force Base children received a special treat at the base's theater Nov. 14.

The children who watched a special screening of the Disney movie "Finding Nemo" all have needs that prohibit them from attending typical movie showings.

The screening was another example of how the Air Force is focused on taking care of its families. The secretary and the chief of staff of the Air Force named July 2009 through July 2010 as Year of the Air Force Family to highlight the variety and scope of programs offered by the Air Force.

This special event, hosted by the 19th Medical Group's Exceptional Family Member Program, was developed in response to input from base special-needs families about taking their children to the movies.

"We thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I think it's great because it gets everyone together. I thought it went great," said Tech. Sgt. David Hendrickson, assigned to the 61st Airlift Squadron.

"(Our son) can't go to a movie with the lights out. It was really nice that he could have the lights on and not have to worry about disrupting the entire theater. I thought it was really good experience," said Amanda Hendrickson.

"We thought it was a success event. We had a great turnout," said Bryan Weaver, a 19th Medical Group special needs technician. "Besides having a nice activity for the special-needs family members, these events also work as a support group for our families. Hopefully word of mouth will bring more families to our events in the future."

Little Rock AFB has approximately 375 children with special needs registered with EFMP. Military families with special needs children are required to sign up with the program, which helps provides support and advice for families as well as ensures proper medical facilities are available before moving to their next base. The program also sponsors a monthly support group for families to voice their opinions and concerns.