FORT SILL, Okla., June 16, 2016 -- Fort Sill honored its service members and families with its annual Military Appreciation Community Family Fun Day June 11, at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area here. The free event was open to the public and about 1,000 people attended. It was hosted by Fort Sill Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"We want them to come out and enjoy Fort Sill for free and see what it has to offer," said Logan Ralston, FMWR commercial sponsorship and advertising account executive. "It's something we do to show our appreciation for the community."
Attendees had a variety of activities to choose from including lake swimming; water sliding; paddle boating, kayaking and canoeing; miniature golf; paintball; inflatable bounce games -- all for free, Ralston said.
The 77th Army Band's small group rock 'n' roll and jazz combos alternated sets and provided music throughout the event which lasted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spc. Antoine Lowery, a communications specialist with the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, and his wife, Monique, and their children took advantage of the military appreciation day.
"This is great. We (75th FAB) just came out of the field this week, so I came out to spend time with my kids," Lowery said. "We got out on the canoes, and the kids got into the water for a little while."
Lowery said he was unable to attend last year's event because he was deployed.
A complimentary lunch of traditional picnic fare, including hot dogs, chips and cookies, was catered by the Patriot Club. And, dozens of Soldier and Marine volunteers, and community and FMWR volunteers helped run the activities, direct parking and assist patrons, Ralston said.
Sponsors for the event included the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Fort Sill Federal Credit Union and the Lawton-Fort Sill Co-Op, he said.
Editor's note: Sponsorship does not imply federal endorsement.
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