Military families connect through art at 122nd FW

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Hough
  • 122nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BAER FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ind. (AFNS) --  

Airmen and their families gathered at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne for a creative event celebrating the Month of the Military Child April 12.

For the second year, Board and Brush provided an opportunity for military children and their families to design and personalize wooden signs.

Danielle Botteron, owner of the North Fort Wayne Board and Brush and a military spouse, said she was inspired to offer the event on base to bring families together in a relaxed, hands-on setting while honoring the families and children of service members.

“The event is low-stress, low-anxiety and fun for kids, which opens the door for adults to interact, too,” Botteron said. “Kids gravitate toward others their age. So while they’re comparing a Tyrannosaurus rex to a unicorn, they’re starting conversations that help their parents break the ice as well.”

A military member guides his daughter during an art contest.

U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Brandon Freon assists his daughter during a Board & Brush event at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Ind., April 12, 2025. The event offered Freon an opportunity to connect with his family during drill weekend. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Danielle Hough)
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Children participate in an art contest.

Andrew Dudeck, left, and Katelyn Dudeck, children of Airmen assigned to the Indiana Air National Guard, participate in a Board & Brush event at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Ind., April 12, 2025. The event provided a opportunity for families to connect and create lasting memories. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Danielle Hough)
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Woman guides child during art contest.

Family members of U.S. Airmen assigned to the Indiana Air National Guard paint together during a Board & Brush event at the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Ind., April 12, 2025. In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the 122nd Fighter Wing celebrates and supports the children of service members by providing opportunities for connection and community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Danielle Hough)
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Kelly Harrison, 122nd Fighter Wing family readiness program manager, expressed appreciation for the businesses and community members who support events that honor and celebrate the youngest members of the military family.

“It’s our chance to let the kids know we appreciate them, too,” Harrison said. “We know they make sacrifices. The military members can’t do their job, especially when they deploy, without family support behind them. This is our way of saying thank you.”

The Board and Brush event is one of several family-focused activities hosted throughout the year. The next event will be Military Appreciation Night with the Fort Wayne TinCaps baseball team in May.