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Relaxation and recreation at Organization Day at Army Public Health Center (P)

By Monica Bullock, ORISE Public Affairs Assistant, Army Public Health Center (Provisional)July 26, 2016

Color Run 5k on O Day
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Softball at O Day
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Kids Activities on O Day
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John Resta and military working dog
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Army Public Health Center (Provisional) held its annual Organization Day on Friday, June 24 at CAPA Field in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Area. Organization Day is meant to integrate employees all over the base so that they can mingle, relax and participate in wholesome, recreational activities.

"O-Day is something I look forward to every year," said Jessica Ford, a public health scientist, who brought her two-year-old daughter Scarlett to the event. "It's great to get to know my fellow co-workers more."

Along with Ford, some employees kicked off the day early in the morning with the 5k color run/walk, where the runners had colored powder dumped on their white shirts as they passed by checkpoints. Most of the festivities were held near the CAPA Field pavilion, save the golf and fishing tournaments, the bake-off, and open swimming at the bayside pool.

Countless events were available to employees such as horseshoes, corn hole, softball, volleyball, basketball, and Zumba throughout the morning and afternoon.

"Playing golf all morning instead of being in the office was so refreshing. And what a good opportunity to see old and new friends in an informal environment," said Kent Prinn, the water resources program manager.

Many people always look forward to the catered lunch, which included pulled pork, chicken, brisket, rolls, potato salad, beans and macaroni and cheese. The caterer certainly delivered high quality food once again according to the majority of APHC (P) workers. Cake and snow cones were served for dessert.

O-Day is especially geared towards making sure that the children have a wonderful time too, with obstacle courses, face painting, pony rides, a playground, relay races and more at their disposal.

Not just employees got to mingle at O-Day. "I really enjoy meeting all the other spouses and getting to know the people my wife works with," said Ron Santo, Dr. Theresa Jackson-Santo's husband, who attended as well with their baby daughter. "The turnout was amazing; the whole event was way bigger than I expected, so I'm sure everyone had a really fun time."

At the close of the day there was a military working dog demonstration where APHC's trained trackers, scouts and sentries got to show off their skill and prowess. To the awe of the audience, the dogs were very responsive to their masters and demonstrated ferocious commitment to latching on to the protective sleeve on a fake perpetrator. Volunteers were able to try wearing the sleeve as the dog wrestled with it, and even John Resta, APHC (P) director, held his ground when facing the military canine.

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Army Public Health Center (Provisional)