FORT HOOD, Texas - The day was filled with 120 mm rounds, M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and lunch for Soldiers and family members alike.
Companies C and D both of 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted a Tank Gunnery Family Day for their Soldiers and family members at a range on Fort Hood, Sept. 18.
The family day, consisting of a live-fire exercise, equipment displays and a barbecue, involved more than 100 family members interacting with their Soldiers and their work.
Fathers, mothers, spouses and children toured inside the tanks and viewed support equipment to gain a better understanding of how the Soldiers perform on a daily basis.
"It gives the families an opportunity to see what their Soldiers actually do," said Capt. Thomas Spolizino, commander for Co. C, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt.
Allowing family members a hands-on experience with their Soldiers' work is what makes this family day unique, said Star Beyersdorfer, mother of 2nd Lt. Evan Adams, executive officer for Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt.
Understanding the Soldiers work is just one aspect to the event, it also allowed families to mingle and build strong bonds of communication.
According to Stephanie Spolizino, the family readiness group leader for Co. C, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt., the day allows other spouses to meet each other and brings the families and Soldiers closer together.
"It allows Soldiers to show (the equipment) with a personal touch and allow more personal interaction on a smaller level," said Capt. Adam Haupt, commander of Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt.
That personal touch made the day a success.
"It (family day) was very good for morale," said Pvt. Shaun McCall, an armor crewman with Co. C, 1st Bn., 8th Cav. Regt.
It was a great experience for the families, and the Soldiers took away something from the day too, he said.
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