The new school year is right around the corner, and the 23rd Force Support Squadron has the backs of military parents – and the backpacks for their children.

Moody Air Force Base’s Freedom One Fitness Center teamed up with the Airman and Family Readiness Center to give back to the military community by hosting a Back to School Field Day, July 29, 2022, where they handed out school supplies leading up to the new school year.

“These are trying times we’re currently in – anything we can help provide to our own community by way of donations is going to positively affect every Airman and their families on this base,” said Master Sgt. Tony Johnson, 23rd FSS Airman and Family Readiness Center readiness noncommissioned officer in charge.

The initiative resulted in an abundance of supplies to include backpacks, binders, notebooks, pencils and more. While 23rd FSS Airmen strive to provide activities for the military community regularly, being able to donate necessities that will positively impact the growth and development of military children allows Team Moody to connect with families in a unique way.

“A lot of us have our own kids, and we know the struggles of finding school supplies or not having the funds for them,” said Staff Sgt. Diamond Bullock-Rosado, 23rd FSS Fitness Center journeyman and Back to School Field Day coordinator. “Every little bit counts. It shows our military families that we are there for them in case they need anything. We’re not just about hosting 5Ks – we are about something bigger.”

As the 23rd Wing approaches a more active posture as a Lead-Wing, the potential for missions that may send loved ones away for extended periods increases. Knowing this, Bullock-Rosado said it’s important for those families to understand that when faced with challenges, Team Moody is there for them.

“The attention to detail and focus we put toward the mission; we have to also do that toward our families on a day-to-day basis,” Johnson said. “Being a parent, I understand that family support events like these allow us to come together as one and gives our families an opportunity to mingle and build relationships.”

Bullock-Rosado said the event was not only about getting donating school supplies, but to give kids an opportunity to engage in an active social gathering with several free activities prior to the school year.

Between jumping around in bouncy houses and having an ultimate water balloon fight, the event brought families together, big and small, to enjoy summer festivities one last time before hitting the books again.

“It’s just a beautiful thing to have everybody come together and do what we have to do to make sure no one is left behind and children are equipped with what they need to be able to successfully develop,” Johnson said.

The 23rd WG is dedicated to the mission and the Team Moody family. For information about upcoming events hosted by the 23rd FSS, visit www.moodyfss.com.