A Family Touch: Ellsworth Development Authority program providing Airmen with family away from home

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Some airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base might not be able to make it home to see their families due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But a new service is finding a way to help improve the situation.

Black Hills Wire, along with the Ellsworth Economic Development Authority, came up with a way for the airmen to be around people who will give them a fresh meal during the holidays.

Through “The Home Away From Home” program, people in the community can submit an application to invite an airman into their homes for holiday meals during Christmas and New Years. It serves a great opportunity to give them a home, away from home.

“As a community, this is a way that we can offer support during that time, make them feel welcome, and make them feel at home,” said Lynn Kendall, the Military Community Relations Director.

Those interested in hosting the airmen and military families this season can send an email to ellsworthconnections@gmail.com or visit the Black Hills Wire website here.

Black Hills Wire provides many different resources for members of the base and community to help them feel welcome and apart of the community.

For more information on any of these programs, please contact Lynn Kendall at (605) 484-7754.