FORT SILL, Okla. (June 15, 2017) -- From boating to water slides to lunch and music, the free Military Appreciation Family Fun Day offered a variety of activities to the Lawton-Fort Sill community at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area.
"We came out to enjoy Lawton, and this is my first time at the lake," said military family member Candace Bogan, who has been here for one month. Bogan came out with her three daughters, mother and brother.
About 2,200 people dropped by LETRA June 10, during the four-hour event which was open to the public, said Brenda Spencer-Ragland, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director.
The annual event celebrates the partnership between Fort Sill and the Lawton community. She noted the Child and Youth Services' Month of the Military Child (MOMC) spring festival, which was rained out in April, was also part of the festivities.
"LETRA is always open to the public and we encourage folks to take advantage of this beautiful scenery in southwest Oklahoma," Spencer-Ragland said. "We have 500 acres of pure recreation: 250 acres of water, and 250 acres of land."
Participants packed the beach for swimming, were treated to a free lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs catered by the Patriot Club, heard rock 'n' roll classics and favorites from the 77th Army Band's ensemble "Centerfire," and families flocked to a number of games, including miniature golf and archery.
Inside LETRA Lodge MOMC activities were provided for children including arts and crafts and face painting.
Jenilee Serina, from Lawton, came out to the fun day with her two daughters, and also met up with a friend there.
"It was a nice day; it wasn't so hot and there's a breeze," she said.
Her daughter Anya, 8, said she liked the face painting and paddleboats.
The event sponsors included the Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce, Sprint communications, Fort Sill Credit Union, USAA insurance and finances, Ryder, and Billingsley Ford.
"Sponsorship allows these event to occur," said Spencer-Ragland. "Since there is no (admission) fee for this event, it's only made possible by the generous sponsorship that we get from our community."
Corvias Military Living staffed a booth with a couple employees, who were providing service members information about on-post housing, and giving out treats to children.
"We're letting them know what we offer and what their BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) gets them if they decide to live on post," said Shanika Summers, Corvias resident relations manager. "A lot of our residents are out here, and are asking us about upcoming resident events."
Denise Prout, Army Community Services outreach coordinator, was at a table inside the lodge providing information and answering questions about all the ACS programs.
"In addition to the programs, I'm also promoting the up-coming concert and financial management seminar which is happening downtown," said Prout.
Dozens of volunteers helped make the event a success including service members, FMWR employees, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, and family members, said Spencer-Ragland.
They ran games, served food, and directed parking.
Fort Sill military police provided security, and Fort Sill firefighters patrolled the lake in their rescue boat.
Spencer-Ragland said she was happy to see so many children at LETRA.
"It's great they can came out here and get physically fit, and they don't have to come out on just Military Apprecia-ion Day," she said. "LETRA has no admission so they can take advantage of this anytime."
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