Photo By Sgt. Jasmine Higgins | The Ranger and NW Airlifter newspapers, along with the event sponsor, USAA, hosted...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – For some, just finding the time to get out with the family can be one of the hardest ventures, add to that the stressors of finding something to appease everyone all while keeping it affordable ... almost impossible!
Luckily, for military families in the Lacey area, this feat can be just another thing checked off the to-do list because on Aug. 8, The Ranger and NW Airlifter (Northwest Airlifter) newspapers, along with their event sponsor, USAA, came together to honor military families, both active and reserve, by hosting a Military Family Fun Day at the Holy Family School in Lacey, Washington, all for free.
“This is a salute to military families,” said Ken Swarner, newspaper publisher for both The Ranger and the Airlifter. “They had an opportunity to come today and compete in this fun family obstacle course and enjoy different activities, crafts, booths and lots of free things to do.”
Every year, The Ranger and the NW Airlifter newspapers support 10 different events in the local area for patrons to enjoy, to include Military Fun Day, which takes on a different theme each year.
“Last year, we created an event here and had an exotic petting zoo, a camel and a kangaroo, so that was the focus,” said Swarner. “This year, we are doing the obstacle course, and the next year will be different as well. I just like to dream something up that will be really unique for everyone to come out and really enjoy.”
The obstacle course, which was this year’s main attraction, consisted of eight different events, ranging from an egg toss to racing down a bouncy house slide, and the family that completed the obstacle course the fastest in their particular heat won prizes ranging from gift cards to Tacoma Rainier baseball tickets.
“We were pumped!” said the Jackson family, a military family and first place winners of their heat in the obstacle course. “We won a $25 gift card to Bobs Burgers and Brew in Puyallup,” said Shamileon Jackson. “It was awesome because who doesn't like free money!”
The event garnered interest from Military families from all walks of life; whether it was for the kids to get out and enjoy a day full of activities, to mingle and interact with other families in the military, or for reasons far more simple and close to home.
“Our favorite part was doing it as a family,” said Jackson. “This is the first thing we have done like an obstacle course as a family, it was pretty awesome!”
The Military Family Fun Day happens annually and can usually be found on the JBLM Facebook page as well as local newspaper outlets for families that are interested in attending the event.
“This is a day for all military families to be a part of,” said Swarner. “They just have to do their part and come!”
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2015 16:32 |
| Story ID: | 172965 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Hometown: | ATLANTA, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 51 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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