Family from 317th AG is presented Abilene Military Family of the Year

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DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Hedden family was presented as the Abilene Military Family of the Year by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce April 18 at the World's Largest Barbeque. 

Lieutenant Col. Rob Hedden, his wife, Sonya, and their two boys, Brad and Brian, were presented the honor by Maj. Gen. Winfield Scott III, 18th Air Force commander. Also recognized was the Jackson family, who were the 7th Bomb Wing nominee for the award. 

The Hedden family are active community members. During her husband's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, Mrs. Hedden volunteered many hours in her youngest son's Boy Scouts troop. When she arrived at Dyess she took up volunteer work on a full-time basis at the Airman Family and Readiness Center. 

Over last year the family has had to overcome many challenges. While stationed in German, Colonel Hedden was on a one-year tour in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the family discovered they would be moving to Dyess. During that time Mrs. Hedden would have to move her family to Abilene, while her husband was deployed. Adding to the burden her oldest son was already attending college in the United States. While the family was separated by several thousands of miles, they still took the time out of their busy lives to build a strong family. 

Every member of the Hedden family is actively involved in the military and civilian communities. Volunteerism is a central theme in everything they do, from helping friends and family to extending a helping hand wherever needed. Colonel Hedden is actively involved in supporting Boy Scouts of America and participating various fundraisers and projects. Mrs. Hedden also has hosted numerous events in support of spouses of deployed servicemembers. 

Their oldest son, Brad, also has been an active member in his community while at college he has served as a resident advisor for students at his school. During his time as an advisor he has helped new students adjust to college life away from friends and family. His younger brother also spent a lot of time in the community. Besides Boy Scouts, he has worked numerous fund raisers for project money and has contributed labor in support of these projects in both Germany and Abilene. He also donates countless hours as a babysitter for many family friends in the Abilene community. Finally, his efforts are most apparent in school where he arrives early every morning in order to tutor Spanish 1 and 2 students before classes start. 

Dyess Air Force Base congratulates the Hedden Family for their success.