FORT RILEY, Kan. - About 1,500 Soldiers and Family members attended the USO's Family Fun Day, which was USO Fort Riley's first major event.
"We received a nice, generous grant from Disney, so we put together a day of fun for Soldiers and their Families," said April Blackmon, USO Fort Riley director. "It was just a day to say thank you to Soldiers and Family members for what they do."
The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11, was held at the youth soccer fields on McCormick Road. USO volunteers grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone in attendance.
Activities included water balloon dodge ball, a water mist tent, a sand pit, and a disc jockey who played music and gave away prizes. The Fort Riley Fire Department brought a fire house and fire truck for Families to see, and the Garrison Safety Office showcased its seat belt convincer.
"It's been an awesome experience so far, just interacting with my children and other people here," said Sgt. First Class Anthony Adkinson Company D, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment. "I love it. I think it's great for the community. I think it's great for all the Soldiers, so we got something to do."
A military spouse new to Fort Riley said the event made her and her Family feel very welcome.
"We just moved here, so it's nice to have things like this," Holly Bismarck said. "It's a big deal. It's nice that they always have them all paid for. I feel like a lot of times, as far as the Army is concerned, people go all out, and I think it's wonderful, so we really do appreciate it."
Her daughter, Socee, is only 18-months-old, but she still was able to enjoy the event.
"She's little so she can't do a lot of the things, but she likes to come out and hang out and listen to the music and see all the big animals and everything," Bismarck said.
"It's nice that they have things for all ages."
Blackmon said to expect more large-scale events like this from USO in the future. She also thanked her volunteers for making the event possible.
"USO is non-profit organization and we survive on volunteer manpower," she said "Without them, this event would not have happened, so I am so grateful for them."
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