Spouse It Up celebrates Mardi Gras style

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha Mans
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The New Orleans Mardi Gras spirit thrived at the Airman and Family Readiness Center Feb. 18, as more than 80 Aviano spouses and children gathered for the center's latest Spouse It Up. 

The event, which happens about seven times a year, provides military spouses and their children an opportunity to network and socialize with other base members in a fun and relaxed environment, said James Newby, AFRC event coordinator. 

"It has a great impact on overall readiness by providing spouses the opportunity to develop supportive relationships and to share vital information about how to deal with some of the unique challenges associated with being assigned to Aviano," he said. 

This month's event, which was hosted by the Aviano Officers and Civilian Spouses Club and the Aviano Community and Enlisted Spouses group, supported the Mardi Gras theme with games and activities for both adults and children. 

The hosts provided free fried chicken, side dishes and drinks to attendees; while AAFES provided cake. The event also included trivia contests as well as a mask decorating and cupcake prize contest, with the winner, Heidi Traynor, being crowned the "Queen of Mardi Gras." 

Spouse It Up occurs about every other month and is open to all Aviano military spouses and their children. The Airman and Family Readiness Center manages the program and various volunteer agencies from around the base host each event. The volunteer groups come up with the theme and activities. Volunteers from throughout the Aviano community also help with set up and child care. Attendance usually runs from about 100 to 150 people.

"We are very fortunate here at Aviano to have a program as wonderful as Spouse It Up where spouses and children can come together for an afternoon of socialization and some serious FUN," said Felicia Douville, AOSCS key spouse. "AOCSC and ACES groups are both deeply committed to giving back to our Aviano community and hosting a Spouse It Up event is yet another avenue for us to be of service."

For more information about SIU, contact the AFRC at 0434-30-5407.