Hurlburt Field welcomes public for open house

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin D. Kim
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla, --  Guests from the public ate from food vendors, played games and took a look inside the 1st Special Operations Wing at the Hurlburt Field Open House at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 27.

The open house included military aircraft and vehicle static displays, food booths and performances by The Emerald Gold Band while children were entertained with bouncy castles, friendly and furry mascots as well as various games for prizes. The all-day event welcomed families from the public and surrounding communities of the base.

"There are a lot of fun things to do with the kids, that's for sure," said Rick Davenport, a retired Air Force veteran.

Different units from Hurlburt Field also displayed equipment such as protective gear, communication equipment and weapon displays to inform the public of how they support the special operations mission.

"Awesome--it really is, I didn't know you [these military members] did all this," said Bruce Berry, a real estate investor. "It's not every day you get to see these things--it's the stuff that keeps you free, you know?

Don Amunds, country commissioner of Okaloosa County, gave Col. Jim Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, a signed proclamation of military support from the local community.

"The freedom and security that the citizens of the U.S. enjoy today are the direct result of the bloodshed in the past and the continued diligence given by the U.S. armed forces over the history of our great nation," Amunds said. "Now, therefore, the board of county commissioners does hereby proclaim Oct. 27, 2012, Team Hurlburt Day in Okaloosa County."

While the open house provided a diversion for the weekend, the primary focus was to show Hurlburt Field's appreciation of the public's support as the Airmen continue their important missions.

"Hurlburt field is the Air Force's most deployed installation," Slife said. "For us to be able to do that mission and be deployed as much as our Airmen are, we couldn't do that without the support of our local community and all our neighbors and friends from around the area."

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