Photo By Sgt. Zoe Tourne | A child plays with a balloon animal during Kinderfest at Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr,...... read more read more
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TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation proudly hosted their annual Kinderfest at the Tower Barracks Field House, here, April 20.
The energy of the crowds and the lively atmosphere surrounding Kinderfest was electrifying. Even before the four-hour celebration was set to begin, families flooded the area, excited to get started on the day’s festivities and honor their children’s unwavering commitment and strength during the Month of the Military Child.
“Nothing could be more important during Month of the Military Child than bringing together our Soldiers and Families,” said Col. Kevin Poole, commander, USAG Bavaria. “Army kids deserve to be celebrated not only this month, but throughout the year. It’s important for our Soldiers and Families to know they are appreciated and celebrated.”
During this year’s event, countless sponsors from within the USAG Bavaria community, including the Child and Youth Services, the American Red Cross, the United Service Organizations and the Directorate of Emergency Services were present for the celebration. Children were invited to take part in a diverse array of activities, including games, arts and crafts, bounce houses and face painting.
Volunteers from the USAG Bavaria community filled the room in support of the festival, running different activities for children and families to engage in. The USO, a main sponsor of Kinderfest, provided a variety of amusements, including miniature golf and the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Easter Bunny. Entertainment and refreshments, including live music, a balloon animal artist, and freshly spun cotton candy were also available for guests to enjoy.
While most of the event occurred indoors, the outskirts of the Tower Barracks Field House were also bustling with activity during the festival. Bubbles filled the air as groups of children played at a bubble-blowing station while Fire and Emergency Services, in addition to giving out toy firefighter’s helmets, invited children to explore the ins and outs of a firetruck. The 18th Military Police Brigade, one of Tower Barracks’ resident units, performed an energetic outdoor K-9 takedown demonstration for the families.
“When you walk in, there is so much excitement bouncing off the walls,” said Rachael Harper, theater director for USAG Bavaria. “The building is full of kids who are laughing, screaming, and just fully being themselves and celebrating.”
In 1986, the Department of Defense declared April as the Month of the Military Child to honor the bravery, resiliency and fearlessness that military children exhibit throughout their lives. During April, branches of the U.S. military congregate with local communities, governments, organizations and private citizens to celebrate the lifelong sacrifices of military children, both stateside and overseas.
For more information on the Month of the Military Child, please visit defense.gov/Spotlight/Month-of-the-Military-Child/.
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 04.29.2024 15:02 |
| Story ID: | 469747 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, DE |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USAG Bavaria’s Kinderfest: A Heartfelt Tribute to Military Children, by CPT Sara Berner, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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