Photo by: Jonathan Bell

The Robins Air Force Base Airman &Family Readiness Center staff started a new tradition this year to honor the memory of the fallen airmen of Middle Georgia.

The center staff put up a holiday tree that has personalized ornaments for each service member who has passed. There are six red ornaments honoring those from Air Force Families Forever, and six gold ornaments for Gold Star families in our area.

The Air Force Families Forever program supports families of Airmen who passed while serving on active duty, while the Gold Star program supports the families of airmen who died in combat.

The tree at the A&FRC was inspired by the Gold Star families’ tree at the White House in Washington, D.C.

“We wanted to bring that tradition to Robins,” said Candace Franks, community readiness specialist with the Robins A&FRC.  “Our hope is that next year we can invite the families to the center and remind them that they’re not forgotten during the holiday season.”

Each of the ornaments was specially made for the individual families.

“I think that just makes it more special, and that’s how we want the families to feel,” said Lindsey Brown, community readiness specialist with the Robins A&FRC.

The tree is currently on display in the center’s classroom, and is now an annual tradition for the A&FRC.