FORT BRAGG, N.C. – The main post theater was decked in holiday décor with Christmas trees on the stage and Soldiers wearing elf hats as families from all over Fort Bragg filed in, Dec. 4, 2019.
The 27 families invited were selected by their command teams for their sacrifices and contributions to the local community. The families were nominated to earn the title of Fort Bragg’s Family of the Year 2019.
“This is our 17th year recognizing family of the year,” said Lt. Gen. Michael 'Erik' Kurilla, commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps. “Although we only name one family of the year, it is evident that we have many, many great families that all deserve special recognition."
The top five families were brought on stage and recognized by Lt. Gen. Kurilla and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Albertson, the XVIII Airborne Corps command team, before it was announced who had won and would do the honor of lighting the post-Christmas tree.
Sergeant 1st Class Brian Marquis, a Soldier assigned to the Joint Special Operation Command, his wife Tiffany and two sons Austin and Brian were brought back on stage and announced as Fort Bragg’s Family of the Year 2019. The family was recognized for volunteering their time towards local education, athletics and emergency relief efforts.
“It’s very humbling,” said Sgt. 1st Class Marquis. “We don’t do what we do for recognition, we do what we do to help improve our community.”
The Marquis family was presented with various gifts and awards before heading to the main-post parade field. The family was given the honor of lighting the 25-foot Fraser post-Christmas tree.
"The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony officially rings in the holiday season for the Fort Bragg community," said Theresa Smith, Fort Bragg Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation special events coordinator.
The recognition of military families during the holiday season helps in showing the appreciation command teams have for the families and their roles in resiliency and readiness.
Date Taken: | 12.10.2019 |
Date Posted: | 12.10.2019 13:23 |
Story ID: | 354988 |
Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 150 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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