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By Senior Airman Timi Jones
111th Attack Wing Public Affairs
HORSHAM AIR GUARD STATION, Pa. -- The installation’s Airman & Family and Readiness Center (A&FRC) Program Manager Anna Richar, and retired Chief Master Sgt. Jenny Pappas, Retirees’ Activities Office (RAO) director, hosted a bridal gown giveaway for military members and dependents here, March 11.
Pennsylvania National Guard members – both Army and Air Force – selected from over 100 designer and top-brand flower girl dresses, bridesmaid apparel and bridal gowns – all marked free of cost.
Staff Sgt. Charlissa Adams, 111th Services Squadron member who assisted during the event, spoke on the significance of the occasion.
“[Richar] knows how much bridal dresses cost and she had the opportunity to get some donated,” Adams said. “So, she figured it would be a good idea to treat the service members.”
Richar said that she had the chance to put the event together after Fabiola’s Originals, a former bridal boutique in New York City, shut down and decided to donate the dresses.
“We had several young ladies come in with their fiancées that looked them over,” Pappas said. “All in all, it went well.”
One goal of the A&FRC is to alleviate some stress of the military families. By offering traditionally high-priced items at a decreased cost, they hope to accomplish that objective.
“A lot of members need help and assistance and they don’t know where to go,” Adams said. “We are that outlet to give them what they need so they can improve their home lives and serve better.”
Support agencies are critical in the mission of the National Guard. By tending to the personal needs of military members, they aid in alleviating stressors that may negatively impact Guardsmen’s service.
Richar has been an integral part in bringing opportunities, comfort and assistance to members of the Guard and their loved ones. And despite having hung up her uniform, Pappas continues to take care of the troops; in addition to her role in the RAO, she is the Friends of the Family Readiness Center (FRG) president. The Friends of the FRG is a non-military organization that provides resources to the A&FRC.
Pappas says the A&FRC is always in search of donations or events that could benefit service members and their families. The bridal gown giveaway was just one of many initiatives the A&FRC holds. Throughout the year, this group hosts events that include the following: supplying small toys during the holiday season, offering bookbags with back-to-school supplies and providing educational seminars.
Friends of the FRG enlist help of local organization for donations. “We don’t turn down anything,” Pappas said. “There is always a need somewhere.
“We have this and many other diverse things that come up. Today’s event adds to the many services we provide for our military."
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2017 15:49 |
| Story ID: | 226812 |
| Location: | HORSHAM, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 139 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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