Winter in New England Published Feb. 13, 2018 By 6 SWS CAPE COD AIR FORCE STATION, Mass. -- The weather in New England this time of year may be frightful, but there’s an abundance of events taking place for Cape Cod Air Force Station personnel to keep morale delightful. Despite “bomb cyclones” spreading record flooding and frigid temperatures across much of New England, military members and their families assigned to the 6th Space Warning Squadron are provided with a wide range of events to enjoy during the winter months. 6 SWS members and their families receive unparalleled support from a variety of local organizations such as the New England USO, the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation, the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, and the Otis Civilian Advisory Council. The Otis Civilian Advisory Council made 6 SWS feel right at home during the holiday season by providing Thanksgiving meals. Squadron leadership received the donations and spent the day preparing turkey with all the fixings for on-duty Security Forces personnel and Space Operations crew members. 6 SWS members that signed up also received full Thanksgiving meals to pick up and prepare at home for their families. The Cape Cod Military Support Foundation, the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, and the Otis Civilian Advisory council hosted a Joint Base Cape Cod Children’s Holiday Party for 6 SWS members to attend with their families in December. Children were showered with countless gifts donated from the local community such as board games, action figures, gift cards, and bicycles. Children were able to meet Santa Claus and participate in a variety of events including pony rides, games, a petting zoo, and face painting. They were also given the opportunity to pick out presents for their parents and have them wrapped, ready-to-go, under the tree. The fun didn’t stop for 6 SWS when the holidays ended. The USO supports military members in New England by partnering with local sports teams for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to attend sporting events. The New England Patriots provided 6 SWS members with their ultimate football fantasy by allowing lucky members the opportunity to meet players and coaches while watching both teams warm up on the sideline, and the honor of leading the Patriots onto the field as the flag runners for the game. Flag runners stood side-by-side with Patriots players during the National Anthem, and viewed the game from the “Row of Honor.” 6 SWS members served as flag runners during games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, and a playoff game against the Tennessee Titans on the Patriots’ road to their 6th Super Bowl ring. The Boston Celtics also honored 6 SWS members by hosting them on Veterans Day during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. 6 SWS members were able to meet players and coaches on the court prior to the game, given courtside seats, and the opportunity to play against NBA stars during a halftime shoot-around. Additionally, members were interviewed during the game by local news outlets. Winter in New England can be long and dreary, but for the members of 6 SWS, it has been a season to remember thanks to the many amazing opportunities provided by the support from the local community.