WASHINGTON - The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Army Family Team Building Program, in collaboration with the Relocation Readiness Program, hosted a tour of the White House March 1 for service members and military family members.
JBM-HH Army Community Service Volunteer Coordinator Kathryn Feehan said events like the White House tour are more than just an opportunity for families to have fun and learn new things.
"One of the missions of the Relocation Readiness Program is to assist folks who have recently PCS'ed [permanent change of station] to the NCR [National Capital Region] to get situated in the area," she explained. "At events like these, spouses and active duty [service] members alike meet one another, form friendships and we hope ultimately form a community of support for themselves."
Feehan said the tour was open to active duty service members and their families. Eight active duty service members and 23 family members attended the event.
"I think everyone appreciated it was self-guided so you could really move through at your own pace and take in what you wanted to take in," said Maj. Bradley S. Hobson, who is assigned to Headquarters, Department of the Army, G3/5/7 and works in the Force Management Division.
Feehan said the idea for the White House visit was floated during a previous AFTB/RRP event.
"The Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall community spoke and ACS listened," she said.
Hobson said he and his family tried to get a White House tour the last time they were stationed in the National Capital Region but were unable to do so.
"I believe at that time the tours had been temporarily suspended," he said. "The White House was one of the few locations we had not visited."
In addition to touring the Executive Mansion, attendees were also given the opportunity to visit the White House visitor's center, where they viewed several historical displays and the gift shop.
Feehan said building a sense of community is especially important for military families, who move from duty station to duty station every few years.
"Attendees may start the day as strangers, but oftentimes leave as friends," she said. "I see lots of numbers exchanged at the end of the day."
AFTB and the Relocation Readiness Program hold special events, such as cooking classes and White House tours, quarterly, Feehan said. The next event is set for April 28 and will include a tour of the Old Guard Caisson and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with a special briefing from one of the tomb sentinels, Soldiers assigned to stand watch at the tomb in Arlington National Cemetery.
"The intent of this event will again be for attendees to get acclimated to the area, meet new friends and build their support network, and learn more about military customs and courtesies," she said.
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