Local greeting service welcomes Moody Airmen and family members to community

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Permanent changes of station can be a frequent occurrence during a military career. For Moody Airmen a newcomer greeting service operated by local community members can help ease that transition.

The South Georgia Newcomer Greeting Service has been helping new members of the local community make the move to South Georgia for more than 50 years.

"We provide newcomers with informational packets on local school systems, fun things to do around town, church information and coupons to use at various local businesses," said Patti Minton, South Georgia Newcomer Greeting Service co-owner.

The greeting service's goal is to provide a support system for families new to the local area, she added.

During the Moody Right Start briefing a representative from the greeting service is available to answer questions that new personnel and family members may have.

Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Bowes, 74th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, recently arrived at Moody and is no stranger to moving to a new area.

"This is the fifth base that I have been stationed at in six years," said Sergeant Bowes. "The local community, especially the greeting service, has made our transition much easier."

Candace Bowes, Sergeant Bowes wife, explained that the greeting service has been very helpful when learning the area and trying to find places.

"Learning an area can be difficult while taking care of a family," said Mrs. Bowes. "The greeting service really helped us out."

Sara McArthur, South Georgia Newcomer Greeting Service greeter, meets newcomers who live on base and also helped the Bowes family become acquainted with the local area.

"I know what it's like to move to a completely new location and relearn the community," said Mrs. McArthur, who is the spouse of a retired maintenance officer. "I fell in love with the community and just want to share some of the fun things with our new members.

"We really just want to make our military personnel and their families feel welcome," she added. "Our goal is to make them feel as comfortable as possible and let them know we appreciate and support them."