FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- Soldiers, civilians and their families assigned to the Unites States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School enjoyed a festive evening of fun and food at the annual Fall Festival on Oct. 17.
The cool evening was a perfect setting for costumed families who filled the parking lot ready for an evening of games, attractions, food and trunk or treating.
Training groups were responsible for providing vehicles decorated and loaded with sweet treats for children to grab handfuls of candy. Bouncy houses lined the parking lot for the little ones to burn off some energy before sitting down to eat a hotdog or hamburger. Pumpkin carving and painting was a big attraction as everyone tried his or her artistic hand at sculpting a jack-o-lantern.
"This is the second year I've attended, it's a well-rounded program for kids from ages two to 17, said Sgt. 1st Class Danielle L. Yacopino, USAJFKSWCS G1. " There is something for kids of all ages."
This was the first time several of the USAJFKSWCS family members attended the Fall Festival and found it very beneficial.
"I've never seen something of this scale hosted by a unit, normally just a haunted house, not a big get together," said Clayton T. Weeks, an instructor with 5th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne). "There are some really nice decorated cars and a lot of people out here in costume -- my kids definitely like all the decorations."
Organizational events like this are conducted across the Army, to generate unit cohesion and strong bonds.
"This is a great event and opportunity for the families across USAJFKSWCS to enjoy family time and beautiful weather," said Maj. Timothy Crane, the Headquarters, Headquarters Company commander. "It's a good event for families to meet each other and to strengthen the entire community - create bonds outside of the workplace."
Every year the unit hosts the event to show gratitude for keeping the USAJFKSWCS family business smoothly running and all the hard work each employee and cadre performs on a day-to-day basis while also extending thanks to the family members for their support.
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