Teams to assist troops with holiday greetings

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • Air Force News Agency
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  People usually get to hear their deployed loved one's voice on the telephone, but don't always see them until they return. 

For the 25th year, the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service holiday greeting teams will leave in late August from San Antonio for a mission allowing nearly 15,000 families to see their deployed loved ones. 

The teams consisting of broadcasters, writers and support members will visit more than 75 military installations in 20 countries. 

"I've been trying to get on a trip like this for five years," said Donna Fair, a Hometown News writer and editor and former military member. "When I was deployed in the Air Force, I never had a chance to broadcast a message home. Now, I have the opportunity to give other families the messages of their loved ones." 

Three teams will be leaving to capture as much footage as possible in Europe, the Pacific and eight forward-deployed locations. 

"If you haven't seen your loved one in a while and know that they may be in harm's way, it can be an emotional time," Mrs. Fair said. "When they see them in the broadcast, they know that they are safe." 

The 15- to 30-second broadcasts will be edited and then sent to more than 1,200 television and 2,200 radio stations at the troops' hometowns, in all 50 states and U.S. territories, to be aired over the holiday season. 

"This is the No. 1 recognized Department of Defense public affairs asset," said Kris Grogan, Hometown News chief of broadcast division. "This is rewarding for the teams and beneficial for deployed member's families and I'm honored to be a part of the 25th holiday greet." 

The nine-man team -- made up of Soldiers, Airmen and civilians -- seem to share views on how important this is for the families of the deployed. 

"It's long and exhausting, but it's worth it," said Army Sgt. Kim Williams, a broadcaster on one of the holiday greeting teams. "When we get back, the phone is ringing off the hook with families thanking us for making it possible for them to see their loved ones healthy and doing OK. In a sense, we're bringing them home to their families for the holidays."

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page