USS Abraham Lincoln Families Celebrate Their Sailors

US Navy Press Releases

. USS Abraham Lincoln Families Celebrate Their Sailors

By Journalist 3rd Class Heather Stanley, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Part of the dynamic of a military family is coping with separation. It is simply one of those hard facts of life. One of the hardest jobs in the military is laid at the feet of family members who have to deal with separation, coping with problems alone, dinners with an empty chair at the table, and celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with a missing guest.

To recognize the sacrifices of family members, the Department of Defense names Thanksgiving week Military Families Appreciation Week to honor those supporting the service members who defend and protect the nation.

And the forward deployed aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln (Abe) (CVN 72), made certain its families back home were not forgotten by working with the spouses to put together the "Fall Festival" last month.

"This was an opportunity for Lincoln families to come together and celebrate," said Stacey Tucker, the co-chairperson of the Fall Festival. "Although we would much rather [our Sailors] be here with us, [they] will be close to our hearts. We would not have this opportunity if it weren't for all the hard work [they were] doing each and every day," she said.

The Fall Festival brought together the crew's families for an afternoon of fun, food, and solidarity. Along with fun for the children, they gathered to support each other.

"I definitely believe this brings all of us together in a very positive way. We are all experiencing the same types of things throughout this deployment and this gives us time to share laughs and stories," said Tucker.

Abe Sailors had a chance to say "thank you" to their families, too. The ship's administrative officer, Lt. Cmdr. Jim Felty, and the photo lab team arranged for Sailors to videotape a short message that played for the families throughout the event. Abe's newest Sailor, Commanding Officer Capt. Kendall L. Card, sent his videotaped thanks and appreciation to the families as well.

The Fall Festival planners made November a memorable month for more than 500 partygoers ranging from newborns all the way to 18 year olds. Activities ranged from X-Box competitions, bubble-blowing contests, raffle drawings and plenty of arts and crafts. There was something available for all ages.

According to Tucker, the videotaped messages carried back from the ship are always a hit.

"I guess it depends if you ask the children or the parents what their favorite part was. It's always fun to receive the video messages from everyone on the ship," she said.

"We had a ton of great prizes donated to us for the raffle drawings. The children had an opportunity to take home boom boxes, gift certificates, and season tickets to various local attractions, even a zoo adoption," she said.

According to the carrier's Command Master Chief, (SW/AW) John O'Banion, family support is crucial to any deployment, and while the crew could never thank their families enough, setting aside November as a month of family appreciation is a fantastic idea.

"We ask a lot from our Sailors," said Master Chief O'Banion. "And while they have demanding jobs, the sacrifices their families make are just as demanding. Our Sailors are the best in the world because of the tremendous support and love from their families. The Fall Festival is just a small token of our appreciation for all they do for us."

Many Sailors say family is one reason they chose to serve in the military. They serve to provide for and protect their families as well as give service back to the nation.

Even though Abraham Lincoln is forward deployed this holiday season, efforts like the Fall Festival go along to show the families back home how much their sacrifice is appreciated.

For related news, visit the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn72.