New Spouses at Buckley Receive Warm AFA Welcome

Imagine arriving at your first duty station under a star-dusted, unfamiliar sky stretching across the high plains. It’s late Sunday night, the base is quiet, and you’re without transportation. The dining facility is closed, and the nearest food options feel unreachable. Even the most prepared newcomer can feel adrift in that moment.

That’s where the Buckley Spouses Alliance (BSA) steps in.

Through its Welcome Bag Program, the BSA offers new arrivals a tangible point of contact—something small but significant to ease the transition. With the help of the Air & Space Forces Association’s Mile High Chapter 127, the program recently received a major boost: a $1,000 grant from AFA’s F2 Grants Program, matched by an additional $500 from the chapter itself.

This collaborative effort highlights the power of community partnerships in addressing the everyday needs of military families. AFA’s United Forces & Families (F2) program is designed to empower local organizations like the BSA to run initiatives that directly support the well-being and readiness of Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. The Welcome Bag Program is a shining example of how grant funding, paired with grassroots involvement, becomes real impact.

But these welcome bags are more than just snacks and shelf-stable essentials. They’re a symbol of care, assembled with a guiding belief that defines the BSA: Do things bigger than ourselves.

That philosophy was on full display recently when BSA members gathered for a “Make Your Own Pizza” night. Amid flour-dusted countertops and laughter, members built custom pizzas for their families while also assembling items for the Welcome Bags. It wasn’t just about volunteering—it was about fellowship with a purpose.

The atmosphere was warm and communal. Stories were shared. Supplies were packed. And everyone knew that their efforts would help ease the first few days for a newly arrived service member at Buckley.

Each bag often includes a letter from the service member’s commander—a personal welcome into their unit and the Buckley community. It’s a gesture that says: You’re not alone. Your military family is here, and we care.

That personal touch reflects the BSA’s broader mission: to build connection and community through acts of service. It’s the same driving force behind their Nourishment Program, which addresses food insecurity on base by providing groceries and household items to those in need. Whether assembling welcome bags or stocking food shelves, the Buckley Spouses Alliance turns small acts into meaningful moments. For them, service is about more than helping—it’s about building a stronger, more connected community, one heartfelt gesture at a time.