As the holiday season approaches, A&E kicked off its annual premiere party for Lifetime’s holiday movie slate Tuesday, honoring not only the stars on the red carpet but also the families behind service members.
Eleven women with family in the military were recognized at the event above Bryant Park, highlighting the sacrifices they make alongside their loved ones.
What You Need To Know
Eleven women with family in the military were honored at Lifetime’s holiday movie premiere in Manhattan
Spectrum, NY1’s parent company, surprised the women with brand-new iPhones
The event highlights the sacrifices of military families behind service members
The premiere also celebrated Lifetime’s upcoming holiday movie slate
“You’re just kind of behind the scenes. Helping to make the mission go,” said Tracey Townsend, a military wife of 25 years whose husband is an F-35 pilot stationed at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn.
After a posting in Alaska, Townsend reflected on the challenge of leaving, saying, “You’re in these people’s lives for a few years and then you pick up and move.”
The sacrifices extend beyond the service member to the entire family, said John Andrechik, sector commander of the New York Coast Guard, whose wife Mary was also honored.
“They give so much, and they sacrifice so much,” John said.
“As military spouses we are used to going through change. That’s the only constant in our lives,” Mary added.
The event included a surprise from Spectrum, NY1’s parent company, when Rahman Khan, vice president of Spectrum Community Impact, presented the women with brand-new iPhones.
“It’s just a small thing we can do to say thank you to them,” Khan said. “Connecting. That’s what we’re all about. Connecting and connectivity. So, this was the perfect opportunity for us.”
For Townsend, the night was emotional.
“It’s going to make me weepy now just thinking about that all of this is here for us tonight and to celebrate us,” she said. “I am almost overwhelmed at the love that has been given to us.”