Keesler to host 18th annual Home Away From Home Published Nov. 10, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Duncan McElroy 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Larcher Chapel is scheduled to sponsor Keesler's annual Home Away From Home program this Thanksgiving season. A base tradition for 18 years, Home Away From Home allows the Keesler community of active duty, retired and civil service personnel to host non-prior service Airmen in their homes to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. "For many of our NPS Airmen, this will be their first Thanksgiving away from family and friends back home," said Chaplain (Maj.) Robert Monagle, 81st Training Wing technical training branch chief. "This program gives permanent party Airmen, civilians and retirees an opportunity to welcome these students into their homes and help them recognize what it means to be in the Air Force family." Last year Keesler families hosted approximately 200 NPS Airmen, according to Monagle. Sign-up forms are due by Nov. 21 for volunteers wanting to host an Airman for Thanksgiving. Forms are available at the Larcher Chapel, Triangle Chapel and the Fishbowl in the Levitow Training Support Facility. NPS Airman forms are only available in the Fishbowl. The chapel office has also sent out internet invites to Keesler personnel with af.mil email addresses as another way to RSVP. "On active duty there will be many times when we may be separated from our families, but that's where we recognize our need to care for one another," Monagle said. "Even when we're separated from relatives we are never alone, we're part of the Air Force family. Please help us welcome these new Airmen into our community of love and support." To volunteer, call 228-377-4859.