Downtown Atlanta hosts Military Appreciation Day Published Nov. 17, 2009 By Airman Chelsea Gitzen Public Affairs ATLANTA -- "When someone asks our three-year old son Tucker what he wants to be when he grows up, he answers, 'An Air Force man,'" said Susan Meyer, mother of Tucker Meyer and wife of Tucker's father, Airman 1st Class John Meyer. Airman Meyer is a future B-52 Stratofortress crew chief who is currently completing technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Mrs. Meyer and her son both attended the Military Appreciation Day held at the World of Coca Cola Green Space park and co-sponsored with the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, Nov. 7. When Tucker saw military members in uniform, he naturally came right up to the Air Force Reserve booth, a joint venture of the 94th Security Forces Squadron and Team Dobbins recruiters to provide insight about Air Force Reserve opportunities and the 94th Airlift Wing to the local community. The booth displayed weapons and other equipment that 94th SFS members use for deployments and times of emergency. Adults and children such as Tucker had the chance to approach the booth, interact with Dobbins' security forces members and possibly try on some of the displayed gear, said Staff Sgt. Michael Newsome, 94th SFS security specialist. Tech. Sgt. Kimono Akins, 94th Recruiting Squadron, fielded questions on how to take advantage of Air Force Reserve opportunities, while passing out Air Force Reserve promotional items. Events such as the Military Appreciation Day sponsored by the Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coca Cola are vital opportunities to demonstrate military capabilities and show support by the local community. "Military Appreciation Day in Atlanta demonstrated an outpouring of support for the military by our local community; a community in which we are proud to serve," said Senior Master Sgt. Kristyn Ervin, 94th Recruiting Squadron senior recruiter. "The Air Force Reserve members' presence at this event was imperative to demonstrate our sincere appreciation for the community's continued support." The event included booths set up by other organizations that support the military and its members, static displays of transportation equipment, a military helicopter fly over, and a repelling demonstration by local members of the United States Army National Guard. From a military wife's standpoint, the event is a comforting reminder of the military family in which her own family is now a part. "Events like this are a wonderful thing," said Mrs. Meyer, "It makes you feel really good."
