Mortuary volunteers host event for local youth

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  More than 50 children in the local area were treated to a special Easter celebration at Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 7.

Children from Delaware's Department of Services of Children Youth and Family, Dover's Head Start Telamon Corporation and other children from the Dover area, were invited to attend the special activities hosted by the chaplain corps staff at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs as well as volunteers and sponsors from the community.

Reggie the Clown created balloon animals for those in attendance and the Easter bunny made a special appearance at the Eagle's Nest picnic area on base.

Children hunted for eggs, hopped their way to the finish line in a potato sack race, bounced around in an inflatable bouncy castle and enjoyed an array of refreshments.

In addition to hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn and sno cones were also available to help give the kids an added burst of energy.

"The kids all had fun and that is the most important thing," said Staff Sgt. Nicole Boynton, who brought her sno cone and popcorn machines for the event. Some of the kids enjoyed the treats so much they came back several times for more snow cones and popcorn, she added.

Firefighters from the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron showcased a fire truck and equipment, allowing the children to sit inside the truck and handle some of the equipment they use and train with on a day-to-day basis.

The objective that Saturday was to build a bridge between the military and Dover's local youth, including local group homes and those in foster care, according to Air Force Master Sgt. Andre Williamson, who coordinated the event.

The chaplain's assistant deployed to Dover AFB in support of the mortuary mission. With the help of other deployers and permanently party staff, as well as donations, they were able to provide Easter baskets to each of the children in attendance.

Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force personnel came together to provide a fun day of activities in a safe environment, where children could be children.

The community outreach was truly a total force partnership between all branches of service and all components as well as support and donations from the local community.

"Truly the event was a success because of all the folks who participated and sacrificed a day of their time to bring hope to Delaware's youth both in foster care and those in the local community," said Williamson.

"I believe we have the power to positively influence today's foster children through acts of kindness and mentorship," he said. "I encourage everyone to get involved by investing time, resources and leadership to our children. You will be amazed at the return - we can all make a difference."