GSU’s usher in the New Year

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, COLO. – 21st Space Wing Airmen rang in the New Year at midnight on Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Jan.1, 2018. For Airmen stationed at the Wings Geographically Separated Units around the world a family friendly atmosphere was provided for Airmen to usher in the New Year. (Courtesy graphic.)

GSU’s usher in the New Year

Published Dec. 27, 2017
By Robb Lingley
21st Space Wing

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Holidays for Airmen are a time to spend with friends and family. For those serving at Geographically Separated Units those times can be far and few between. For New Year’s, GSU’s hold events to provide a family friendly atmosphere for Airmen separated from them.

The 10th Space Warning Squadron at Cavalier Air Force Station, North Dakota, has a community center on base where they held various events. The building has a bowling alley, heritage hall, outdoor recreation equipment, and a small theater.

“For New Year's our unit had dinner, karaoke and throughout the night raffles for gift cards were drawn,” said Tech. Sgt. Shawn Thompson, 10th SWS Non Commissioned Officer in Charge, Security Forces plans and programs “At midnight we had a short fireworks display provided by the 10th SWS Unit Booster Club.”

The 20th Space Control Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, had numerous New Year’s events. Boardwalk celebrations and clock countdown events took place in many of the communities, as well as fireworks at Eglin AFB and surrounding towns. Additionally, an annual Pelican Plunge was held on Okaloosa Island where participants took a chilly dip in the Gulf of Mexico.

“Also part of the 20th SPCS is Detachment 2, Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia,” said Maj. James Haskins, 20th SPCS operations officer. “There the Island Breeze Club hosted members for a New Year's Eve Countdown.”

Personnel at 20 SPCS Detachment 3, Maui Space Surveillance Complex, Hawaii, enjoyed a special New Year’s Eve luau and a fireworks cruise.

The Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where 20th SPCS Detachment 4 is located, hosted a New Year’s Eve Comedy Night.

Though they won’t be able to spend the holidays with their loved ones Airmen will still be able to enjoy a family type atmosphere at 21st Space Wing GSU’s throughout the world.