FSS officer promotes, serves as Yellow Ribbon MC

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ORLANDO, Fla. --  A member of the 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, served as master of ceremonies for the Nov. 21-23 Yellow Ribbon Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Maj. Roxy Hambleton, 482nd Force Support Squadron chief of military personnel services and Yellow Ribbon representative acted as host, introducing speakers and directing the event, during the conference which reached over 800 people.

The conference benefited Air Force Reserve members about to deploy and who have recently returned from deployment. Family members and guests can also attend the conference and breakout sessions.

"This event is our way to offer services and resources to pre and post-deployers throughout the United States," said Hambleton.

In addition to her force support duties, Hambleton coordinates base attendees at these events and helps plan the monthly conferences on a national level. This month, the 482nd FW had 43 individuals who traveled to Orlando for the two day event.

Every base is assigned a Yellow Ribbon Representative. Out of the 38 in Air Force Reserve Command, one is chosen to MC the event. Hambleton was chosen for the most recent event.

"The MC is vital to the flow and energy of the event," said Chaplain (Maj.) Joshua Kim, Andrews Air Force Base, Washington D.C., the AFR liaison for this event. "We chose Hambleton because of her positive attitude and comfort before audiences--and she did great!"

Hambleton's role as MC was to keep the event on schedule, entertain during the general session, and moderate the other speakers before the large audience.

"I was a little nervous," she said. "I've never spoken in front of 800 people, but once I started, I really enjoyed it!"

Attendees also received a message on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from event key note speaker, retired Chaplain (retired Lt. Col.) John W. Groth, and were able to attend five breakout sessions during the weekend.

If you are about to deploy for 90 or more days, or, if you are returning from a deployment of 90 or more days, you are eligible to attend a Yellow Ribbon event.  Venues change, but the core message of taking care of our Citizen Airmen and their families remains the same for AFRC.

Contact Maj. Roxy Hambleton, 482nd Fighter Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, at 786-415-8284 or email roxana.hambleton@us.af.mil if you have any questions about the Yellow Ribbon Program.