Davis-Monthan Exchange Brightens the Holiday Season for Families of Deployed Airmen 

The Davis-Monthan Exchange food court was adorned with festive holiday décor Dec. 2 as associates welcomed the families of deployed Airmen during a special event.

It was the first time the food court had hosted the Deployed Dining event, which is held quarterly by Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s Airmen & Family Readiness Center.

“We were proud to be part of this event, which showcased the Exchange’s core value of family serving family and our `We Go Where You Go’ mission,” said Davis-Monthan Exchange General Manager Mikel Hunter.

Families participating in the center’s Sustainment Program were invited to attend and select items featured on a special menu with meals from the food court’s Qdoba, Popeyes and Charley’s restaurants.

The meals, which included options for children, were paid for by the Family Readiness Center, with sales totaling $500.

An area of the food court was reserved for the families and decorated with a picture-perfect, holiday-inspired backdrop, complete with a faux blazing fireplace and a life-sized Santa Claus cutout. Diners were treated to cake for dessert, and children received goody bags.

“It is always difficult for families to be apart during the holiday season, and the COVID-19 pandemic does not make it any easier,” Hunter said. “The Davis-Monthan team was honored to serve these very special guests and looks forward to welcoming them again at the food court during future Deployed Dining events.”

An Airmen and child take a closer look at ornaments on a Christmas tree Dec. 2 at the Davis-Monthan Exchange food court, which hosted the Deployed Dining event.

A family poses for a photo beside a life-size Santa Claus cutout during the Dec. 2 Deployed Dining event at the Davis-Monthan Exchange food court.

Davis-Monthan Exchange General Manager Mikel Hunter, third from left, distributes goody bags Dec. 2 during the Deployed Dining event that was hosted at the food court.