Happy Landings brings Airmen, families up to speed

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen and their families from across the base gathered at the Dakota's Club Jan. 15, to learn about the various resources available to them on base and in the surrounding area.

Happy Landings, a monthly fair for both newcomers to Ellsworth as well as for those who've been around for a while, gave those who attended a crash course on all the services Ellsworth has to offer.

"Being in the U.S. military, we are a mobile population," said Nicole Reynolds, 28th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center work life specialist. "It's nice to get to a new location and have a group of people ready to introduce them to their new home."

In addition to providing information, vendors helped Airmen sign up for a variety of hobby and special interest clubs including the Green Nights Motorcycle Club, which recently merged with the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark Walker, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron superintendent, and a Green Nights Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Club safety instructor, emphasized how important it can be to find people with similar interests after arriving to a new base.

"A lot of motorcycle riders PCS (permanent change of station) to Ellsworth," said Walker. "When those folks sign up for the club, we start working with them to make sure they have experience riding in the Black Hills - always keeping safety in mind. Eventually, when we feel he or she is comfortable with riding, they can take part in one of our big group rides of the year."

Reynolds added that Happy Landings, for all members of the Ellsworth community, is done in conjunction with the Right Start program the third Tuesday of every month, so there are plenty of opportunities for Airmen and their families to participate.

"Everyone can benefit from Happy Landings," Reynolds explained. "I encourage supervisors to come out and see what we have to offer and extend base resources to their Airmen."

For more information on future fairs or to register for a booth, call the AFRC at (605) 385-4663.