AK on the GO

Many years ago I engaged in a conversation that remains vivid in my mind. During a trip to Europe post-college, before any AK Kids were in the picture, I ambled my way around Europe via rail (as did so many of my generation), toting a backpack and fresh enthusiasm for travel as a bona fide smarty pants.

I stayed for a short time with acquaintences in Bamberg, Germany, where a huge Army base provides the smallish town with a secure income and an influx each year of Americans on their first overseas duty assignment. The base is a city of its own, really, and I discovered in short order that this was enough for some people.

While chatting one evening with other military spouses (wives, at that time), I asked if any had hopped on a train to visit surrounding attractions, this being one of the most picturesque areas of Germany with majestic castles, deep forests, and access to cities like Frankfurt or Nurnberg.

These young mothers all looked at me, saying nothing until one spoke up. “We don’t get off base, much,” she said slowly. “It’s so different from home and we don’t know how to get around.” Yikes.

We left the conversation on a more positive note after I took my host and her friend to the post’s Family Readiness Center where we gathered up brochures, train schedules, etc. so the group could take an inagural trip somewhere, anywhere.

Alaska is home to thousands of military families. From Army to Air Force, families are moving to the state and looking for things by which to occupy and educate their children while stationed in a place far from their comfortable stomping grounds.

AKontheGO is working to cooperate with military agencies to assist these families; our newest project is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force’s Key Spouse program, and hopefully the Elmendorf Family Readiness Center to provide easy, affordable, and accessible recreation information to moms and dads who share our desire to participate in activities with the entire family.

Military families know the value of family time. AKontheGO wants to affirm our goal of serving those who serve our country. It doesn’t have to cost anything to spend time, but then, spending time with loved ones doesn’t seem to be a problem for our service men and women. AKontheGO just hopes to be the conduit of information. I have every confidence they will do the rest.