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Second Lt. Courtney Gallagher holds several Huggable Uniform Gifts made by volunteers at the Columbus Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center. Columbus AFB is the first base to offer these dolls free of charge to family members of deployed Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens)
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HUGs given to families of deployed Airmen
Posted 11/30/2012 Updated 11/30/2012
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by Airman 1st Class Charles Dickens
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
11/30/2012 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- During the holiday season having loved ones deployed can be especially rough. For that reason, the Columbus Air Force Base Airman and Family Readiness Center is stepping in and allowing volunteers to assist in making Huggable Uniform Gifts for the deployed service member's family.
These HUGs are stuffed dolls that have a full-length portrait of their deployed loved one on the front and a swatch of fabric from a uniform on the back. These are made so that even during the rough times of the service member being gone, the family has a memento to remember them by.
"The HUG program is simply a way to stay connected when we are far apart," said Laura Clagg, AFRC Director. "Extended separation is difficult on everyone involved and the HUG provides something tangible that brings family members comfort."
While the AFRC runs the program the Columbus AFB Airman's Attic donates older sets of Battle Dress Uniforms or flight suits for the back of the HUGs. The program runs mainly off of volunteer organizations' support, such as the Key Spouse program.
"This is one of the many deployment and remote support programs that we offer to both single and married Airmen," said Clagg. "If the deploying Airmen bring their families to the AFRC, we will also put a family portrait on a pillow case for Airmen to take with them on their deployment or remote tour."
Clagg said that while there is an Air Force-wide program to print photos on pillow cases, Columbus is the first installation to make custom HUGs at no additional cost to the family or base. There is a commercial company that makes a version of deployment dolls, but they have additional costs.
"This is one of many programs we offer Airmen and their families to foster resiliency in all phases of Air Force life," said Clagg. "If you would like more information on this or any other program offered by the AFRC please call us at 434-2790."
Clagg also asked to note that in order to volunteer for the HUG program, sewing skills are not required. |
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