Thanks for the Support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
  • 911th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  Memorial Day weekend which honors the men and women who gave their lives for our country, often marks the unofficial start of summer accompanied by the beginning of warm weather and outdoor gatherings. This year, a week after the holiday, the 911th Airlift Wing also marked the changing of seasons with its annual Family Day picnic to give thanks to the families who stand behind the men and women in uniform.

"It's a way for us to thank the families and show our appreciation for their support," said Master Sgt. Shannon Hughes, one of the Family Day coordinators. "It is also meant to show appreciation within the wing."

The Wing's annual picnic, held June 3 this year, provides the opportunity for both civilian employees and military members to invite their families to the base for an afternoon chalked full of food and entertainment.

Whether guests were hungry for a hot dog, hamburger, or an Italian sausage, the base's senior leadership served it with a smile.

Hangar 416 was filled with Reservists and their families waiting in line, not only for food, but also for hair braiding by Head Hunters Hair Salon and face painting and airbrush tattoos by T.L. Starr and Company.

Outside the hangar, Rep. Tim Murphy, R-PA 18, opened the festivities by throwing the first pitch at the dunk tank as Col. Craig C. Peters, 911th AW commander, sat inside waiting to plummet into the water.

Musical entertainment for the event was provided by disc jockey DJ Joe Cohen, the classic rock band Midlife Crisis and 911th Operations Group commander Col. Daryl Hartman's band Carnival of Souls.

"Family Day is awesome," said Kathleen Gerspacher, a Reservist's family member.
"There's so much to do for guests of all ages."

A favorite among the young children each year were the inflatable bounce house and obstacle bounces. Also back this year was the rock climbing wall provided by Staunch entertainment and Living Treasures Wild Animal Park's traveling petting zoo and pony rides.

To accommodate the teenage crowd, X-box Kinect, Nintendo Wii, and Sumo Wrestling Inflatables were added to the list of games in Hangar 418.

"The last few years we've really hyped it up," said Master Sgt. Shannon Hughes. "We've really expanded on what we can do and have set some high expectations."

Also adding to this year's events were an animal presentation by the Pittsburgh zoo, a performance by the West Mifflin Area High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps' saber team, and static displays of the C-130 Hercules, KC-135T Stratotanker, Allegheny General Life Flight helicopter, Allegheny County Airport Authority fire engine, and several classic automobiles owned by base members.