Luau night held for Aviano Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Briana Jones
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Airman and Family Readiness Center is known for throwing events that are family oriented. In order to help boost morale among single Airmen they decided to organize a luau focused on Aviano dorm residents June 29.

Airmen have been asked what kind of events they would like to see happen and one of their ideas has became a reality. Senior Airman Uilani Forgione, Aviano Airmen Advisory Council President, brought up the idea of a luau and movie night theme during a focus group and the AFRC ran with it.

The event was held for Airmen who reside in the dorms at Freedom Park and included games, a hula dance-off and a luau attire contest. The AFRC does not normally plan events for Airmen but decided to do something just for them. "Airmen are part of the 31st Fighter Wing mission and this event is to let them know that we care and recognize them for all that they do" said Jason Gunnarson, event coordinator.

The AFRC was not alone in setting up this event. Members of the First Sergeants Association, Aviano Officers Civilians and Spouses club, Top 3 Association, the La Bella Vista Club and the Asian Pacific American Group set up, tear down, provided activities and served refreshments to the Airmen in attendance.

Airmen who came helped tear down at the end, but Gunnarson wanted to make sure that the volunteers were not Airmen as this event was specifically for them. Together these organizations planned a fun filled event that allowed Airmen to let loose and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. "I am grateful for the people who appreciate us Airmen and put this together just for us" said Airman 1st Class Nia Curry, 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

"I want our Airmen to know how much we care about them and how vital they are to the success of the Aviano mission" said Senior Master Sgt. Stacy Pearson, 31st Munitions Squadron first sergeant. "We hear a lot about improving services and providing more opportunities for our families on Aviano but our single Airmen need to see we are thinking about them too."

Gunnarson thought that the event was a success and said he thinks there will definitely be more events like this in the future.

"This was a small way to let them know they are appreciated. An opportunity like this, to bring something different and fun to dorm residents, is an opportunity the First Sergeants will definitely support" said Pearson.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at  DSN 632-5407.