The 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade Family Readiness Group needed a separate tent to facilitate all the Soldiers, spouses and family members who wanted their face painted. Photo by Lacey Justinger.
Freedom Fiesta kicks off with picnic at Biggs
The sixth annual Freedom Fiesta kicked off Saturday with a Soldier Appreciation Picnic at Biggs Park. The picnic was sponsored by Raytheon and the Omar Bradley Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, with support from L&F Distributors.
Spc. David Bates of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, said he appreciated the variety of donations available to the Soldiers.
“Plus, the camaraderie that was shown to Soldiers throughout the event. It was a fun and engaging event for Soldiers and their families,” he said.
A military child knocks over a troll in a ball toss carnival game Saturday during the Soldier Appreciation Picnic, the kick-off event for the annual Freedom Fiesta celebration. Photo by Lacey Justinger.
AUSA planned for more than 6,000 Soldiers and family members to attend this year’s picnic. A live disc jockey played while Soldiers and families enjoyed a complimentary brisket barbecue, won raffle prizes, and played carnival games, horseshoes and basketball.
“We want to make sure the Soldiers have fun and enjoy festivities with their families,” said Al Hobbs, president of the Omar Bradley Chapter of AUSA.
AUSA donated $200 to family readiness groups that operated a game or booth. L&F Distributors donated $6,000 in alcoholic beverages and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce manned the beer tent. Raytheon donated $20,000 for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
”For the sixth year, this is our big giveback to the Soldiers at Fort Bliss,” said Dave Casmus of Raytheon. “These are the best Soldiers. We are happy and pleased to do it.”
Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from J.M. Hanks High School serve a brisket barbecue picnic to Soldiers and families. Photo by Lacey Justinger.
More than 60 Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets from Eastwood and J.M. Hanks high schools helped with the picnic setup and served food to the attendees.
“We focus on serving Soldiers who served their country and their families,” said retired C apt. Eileen P. Williams, senior Army instructor at Hanks High School.
Freedom Fiesta was initially created as a welcoming ceremony for Soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Look around you at these young men and women; how can this not be important?” asked Greg Rountree of Raytheon.