JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The 11th Force Support Squadron held their annual Hearts Apart Deployed Spouses Holiday Party at the base theater on Joint Base Andrews, Md., Dec. 13, 2014.
The holiday party brought together 22 families of deployed, remotely-located and 30-day temporary duty service members.
"It's always difficult to miss out on the traditions and bonding of the season," said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon, 11th Wing command chief master sergeant. "As an Air Force family, we can help families deal with this separation in a positive way."
The event featured face painting, care packages, a scavenger hunt, family photos, a DJ, pin the nose on Rudolph and cookie decorating after a lunch provided by the 11th Wing Chaplaincy.
The party's goal was to compensate for separation with holiday cheer and fun.
"Our mission is to serve families who have a loved-one away this season," said Tech. Sgt. Amanda Mocanu, 11th FSS readiness NCO. "It's important for these families to know they aren't alone."
The party was generally well received by attendees.
"We've never had this much support," said Stephanie Akins, the spouse of a deployed service member. "It gives the kids something out of the norm to do."