Rain or shine, luau for military spouses must go on

  • Published
  • By Lauren Hall
  • U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station Public Affairs
Torii Station --  Torii Station, Okinawa - A little rain didn't dampen the fun at a luau held on Torii Beach May 19 for spouses of deployed military members from all branches of service.

Despite a little drizzle, nearly 300 people attended the event. The tiki torches remained lit and the hula dancers continued to dance while guests dined on food provided by CJ's Bar & Grill and lots of homemade desserts provided by Army spouses.

"It was a huge turnout and was very nice. The kids were able to play in the splash fountain, waterslide and the bouncers," said Tammy Dockins, Army Community Service.

This was the first time the Army hosted the monthly dinner for spouses of deployed service members, however, the Air Force holds one every third Saturday of each month at the Schilling Community Center on Kadena Air Base.

Lt. Col. Cory Anderton, U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station commander would like to increase the Army's participation in the program by hosting the dinner two times next year.

"I would like to provide a venue to host the deployed spouse dinner twice a year from now on. We believe it would be the Army's commitment on supporting 18th Wing's Deployed Spouse Program," said Anderton.

The ideal place to hold such a dinner is on Torii Beach where you can't help but envision luaus, leis, tiki torches and hula dancers.

"I wanted it to be a luau theme because it was held on Torii Beach. If the weather had been better, we would have had a perfect luau with a perfect sunset," said Rachelle Whitfield, Mobilization and Deployment Program Manager.

The monthly dinners offer spouses of deployed service members a chance to meet service provider command teams and discuss any issues that may be of concern to them.

"The dinners provide them with the opportunity to get out and enjoy a free meal with friends and connect with other military spouses who are experiencing the same stresses of separation," said Whitfield.

Some of the benefits available to spouses of deployed service members are vouchers for 16 hours a month of free child care at the Child Development Center on Kadena or Family Child Care Providers. They also receive MWR discounts including free labor on oil changes at the Auto Skills Center as well as an AAFES coupon book.

To learn more about the Army's Deployed Spouse Program, call 644-4116.

For Kadena's Airman and Family Readiness Center Call 634-3366.