Back to School Brigade prepares MHAFB families Published Aug. 10, 2018 By Staff Sgt. Jeremy L. Mosier 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Service members and their families gathered at the base youth center for the Back to School Brigade hosted by the Airman and Family Readiness Center, August 4, 2018. The event provided military families school supplies, information on afterschool programs and other educational and family support opportunities around the area. "The appreciation and support for our military community by our civilian communities all over Idaho is awesome," said Allen Niksich, 366th Fighter Wing school liaison officer. "Their appreciation is definitely represented in the massive amounts of school supplies we received." Organizations from across the state of Idaho teamed up with the base and Operation Homefront to pull their resources together and support more than 200 military children this year. "The added help for school supplies is a huge deal for us," said Alexis Baumgartner, military spouse. "My kids love a chance to see how to interact with the community and get outdoors, they loved the (Bureau of Land Management) table." After receiving school supplies, children tested their knowledge of fire safety and their ability to navigate through a bicycle safety course hosted by on-base personnel. The event also provided an opportunity for service members and spouses, community members and retirees to give back to children and ensure their readiness for school. "It's not so much about the stuff they get, it's about the feeling that the community supports them and appreciates what they are doing for our nation," said Sara Rizzo, Operation Homefront area manager and military spouse. "It's a heartfelt thing to give back to the community that you are a part of."