Base Family Appreciation Banquet
By Other
Published in News on January 23, 2004 2:02 PM
By SR. AIRMAN
SAMUEL KING JR.
Seymour Johnson Public Affairs
Despite deployments, families on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base worked on and off base to keep up morale and help others who missed their loved ones.
The base's military families were honored Thursday for their contributions to the community and the 4th Fighter Wing. The appreciation banquet was sponsored by the Military Affairs Committee of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. It was the main event for Family Appreciation Week.
Although all families were honored at the banquet, only one family from each of the groups nominated was named a guest of honor.
"Without these families and what they do for the whole community, the Air Force wouldn't be what it is today," said Master Sgt. Lee Wright, wing readiness non-commissioned officer.
The Dzurko family was honored for being very active both on and off-base with projects like church fund-raisers, base clubs and sports teams.
Airman 1st Class Mark Dzurko and his family belong to the 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The family's community involvement never diminished when Dzurko was deployed.
They found time to organize activities for deployed spouses and their families and provided lawn and pet care to those serving the deployment.
Another family, the Stephensons, was recognized for organizing teams to help the families of five deployed members from the unit of Technical Sgt. Thomas Stephenson, a member of the 4th Component Maintenance Squadron. He and his wife, Robin, have three children, Thomas, William and Candace.
The teams provided regular lawn care and housing maintenance for those families while their loved ones were away.
Over the past year, the Stephensons have strived to be not only positive role models in the Seymour Johnson community, but in the downtown community as well.
The Stephensons are key leaders in Scouting organizations on base. Stephenson is Webelos II den leader for Cub Scout Pack 911 and an active participant in Boy Scout Troop 299. Ms. Stephenson is Pack 911's committee chairman. Their involvement has boosted parent participation in Scouting on base from four to 13 volunteers.
Additionally, the entire family helps with the youth programs at Daniels United Methodist Church.
The Lynch family are members of the 4th Operations Support Squadron.
They have taken part in many school related and outdoor events such as coaching soccer and baseball and involvement in the PTA.
They also contribute to the learning process with Lt. Col. Kevin Lynch instructing F-15E pilots and his wife, Glenda, volunteering time at Tommy's Road Elementary School as well as working with remedial instruction.
Master Sgt. Robert Spaulding and Staff Sgt. Denise Spaulding are members of the 4th Mission Support Squadron and the 4th Fighter Wing staff, respectively.
They find time to participate in a number of volunteer activities as well as raise five children. Together they have worked with Meals on Wheels, First Term Airmen Center, church functions, Adopt-A-Highway as well as other volunteering opportunities.
Another family honored was the Metzlers. Second Lt. Scott Metzler and his family are assigned to the 4th Communications Squadron.
The Metzler's have been involved in many squadron functions, such as softball, Celebrate Seymour, the Volksmarch and Airmen Against Drunk Driving.
Tech. Sgt. Melissa Seguin and her family are part of the 4th Aeromedical Dental Squadron.
The Seguins are very supportive of their squadron and the military. They devote their time to the Air Force Sergeants Association, food drives, Habitat for Humanity, the booster club and squadron sports as well as raising 4-year-old twin girls.
Much of their time is used in preparing and coordinating squadron functions like renovations, meal campaigns, deployment send-offs and welcome home events.