ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The 20th CBRNE Command observed Month of the Military Child with an Animal Adventure Show and arts and crafts activities and refreshments during Military Child Appreciation Day at the APG North (Aberdeen) recreation center April 12.
Marti King, Family Readiness Support Assistant for U.S. Army Forces Command units and Allyson Hash, FRSA for the Maryland National Guard?'s 29th Combat Aviation Brigade collaborated on the event for the Families of APG Soldiers and Guardsmen.
Children and adults handled a Burmese python, a tarantula, an Argentine lizard, an American crocodile and exotic birds in the animal show which was the main attraction. Volunteers also provided face paintings, brush art tattoos, and games for the children as well as donated refreshments from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10028 in Aberdeen.
Company Commander, Capt. Scott Fitzgerald, who enjoyed the festivities with his wife, Liza and 2-year-old twins Henry and Evelyn, said the biggest challenge was getting everyone together at the same time. He credited King with getting it done.
?"The most important thing is spending time together and she knows how to make that happen," he said.
Liza Fitzgerald volunteers with King who puts on an event for Families every other month.
?"Military life is hard so to have something like this is wonderful. This gives back to Soldiers all year, she said."
Marti King
Family Readiness Support Assistant
U.S. Army Forces Command
King is the FRSA for all FORSCOM units on Aberdeen Proving Ground such as the 22D Chemical Battalion and 1st Area Medical Laboratory. She ensures unit Family Readiness Groups operate within regulations and is the subject matter expert in supporting Families. She said her job kicks into high gear during deployments. The wife of a National Guardsman with the 29th CAB King often collaborates with Allyson Hash, FRSA, to bring special events to military Families.
?"We work real well together," she said. ?"This is all about showcasing military children and their Families. I have two beautiful children and they grew up in the military. There?'s nothing better than that because there are so many different opportunities that kids outside the military don?'t have.
?"They?'ve been there and done that."
Outings, usually held every other month, include campouts, picnics and tours to places like Port Discovery, King added. She thanked the events sponsors, volunteers and supporters and encouraged Families to contact her to learn more and get involved.
King is located in Bldg. E5311 in APG South (Edgewood). Her office hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 410-436-0308.
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