Thousands of children, families turn out for Fall Festival

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  In the same hangar where Air Commandos performed changes of command ceremonies and maintenance on CV-22 Ospreys, hundreds of children fished for prizes, did push up competitions and won prizes during the first Fall Festival at the Freedom Hangar Oct. 15.

More than 4,200 people turned out during the complementary event intended for Air Commandos and their families.

"Anytime that we can get the entire Hurlburt community together, spouses' groups, boosters clubs as well as the military units is a really awesome opportunity," said Capt. Shannon Branlund, chief of 1st Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron mental health clinic and one of the event organizers. "Today turned out to be a great day, and the weather is wonderful. I'm glad we could have such a well-organized and well-attended community event where we can all get together, too."

Nearly 400 volunteers set up, ran and tore down the 65 different activity, informational and concession booths for the festival. Patrons enjoyed meals ranging from pulled pork sandwiches and lumpia while getting firsthand looks at static displays of Air Force Special Operations Command aircraft and vehicles.

"I liked the big one best," said Jessica Sarver, 6, who earlier popped her head through the top port of an AC-130 Spooky on the flightline.

Jessica, daughter of John Sarver, Air Force Research Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., got her face painted along with her best friend, Emma Grace Hampton, also 6.

"And now we're going to go get cotton candy," said Emma, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hampton, 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, who had each of her cheeks painted with a heart and a pumpkin.

Throughout the fest, children participated in exercise competitions sponsored by the base Health and Wellness Center as well as informational booths manned by members of the Airman & Family Readiness Center, the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention & Treatment program and Airmen Against Drunk Driving council.

"I had very high hopes for this event, and our organizers did a great job of getting it exactly right," said Col. Jim Slife, commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing. "These kinds of events serve to strengthen the ties of family and service which bind us together around our mission here at Hurlburt Field. I'm thrilled with the turnout we had and the positive feedback we've received thus far, so I feel sure that this will become a regular event for us going forward."