Cobra Company hosts Family Day Fish Fry

By Spc. Nicholas HolmesMay 25, 2016

Cobra Company hosts Family Day Fish Fry
Soldiers with Company C, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division and their family members play card games during a company fish fry at Fort Stewart, Ga., May 20, 2016. Soldiers and families spent the da... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Soldiers with Company C, 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division hosted their second annual Family Day Fish Fry at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 20, 2016.

"Today we have the opportunity for Soldiers and families to come together in a relaxed environment," said Capt. Veronica Kyle, commander of Co. C. "The life of a Soldier is unpredictable at times. It is important to show the families our appreciation for their support and understanding."

The Army views families as the force behind the force, allowing Soldiers to focus on their mission to serve the nation.

"We often forget that when a Soldier leaves, the [family] is left to behind to continue on in their absence," said 1st Sgt. Jeffrey Demming, senior enlisted advisor to Co. C. "It is important to integrate the families into our unit and let them know that we appreciate all the support they provide our Soldiers and the organization."

During the event Soldiers and family members conversed and played card games while they ate.

Retired Staff Sgt. Leroy Lampkin, a former fire support specialist and father of Sgt. Keona Polk with Co. C, volunteered to prepare fried fish on site for the second year.

"As a prior service member I just thought it would be a nice thing to do for the company," Lampkin said. "It is good to have outlets like these for the Soldiers and their families. It is important for families and units to have a close relationship."

The Family Day Fish Fry is a simple way for Soldiers and family members to enjoy time together as well as increase resilience and readiness, according to Kyle.

"I had a great time today," said Spc. John Smarr, a multichannel transmission systems operator with Co. C. "Getting to meet the families gives me a different perception of my [peers]."

"Spouses of the Soldiers don't get to see the other spouses as often the Soldiers see each other," said Gabrielle Griffin, wife of 1st Lt. Kyle Griffin with Co. C. "It has been really nice to have the chance to have everyone together. Events like these make me feel included, which is great."