The free event was planned and coordinated by the Family Readiness Support Assistants from each of the battalions. Local vendors donated time and resources contributing to the successful event, said Stephanie Roe, the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) FRSA.
The FRSAs from each battalion collected school supply lists from the different schools on and around the base, and then purchased school supplies to provide for the 1st SFG (A) families with school age children.
"As school supplies get more expensive and families have more children we want to make sure we can help the families of the 1st Group," Roe said.
In addition to the free school supplies, there was entertainment including a popular ice-cream making demonstration utilizing liquid nitrogen to freeze the cream.
"My children really enjoyed the ice cream making show put on by Sub Zero and they definitely enjoyed getting to eat it at the end," said Evangleen Dech, a mother of two, who attended the event.
"Back to School Night features agencies and organizations that want to help," Roe said. "They were all eager to provide support to the families of the 1st Group."
Families enjoyed food and drinks provided by the United Service Organizations. Additionally, Veterans United provided school supplies and assisted in their distribution.
The Yelm Police Department, representing the 1st SFG (A)'s community connector city, provided school supplies, an officer and patrol car. Children lined up to tour the service vehicle and for the chance to try its siren.
"We had an outpouring of help from the Group, families, and outside organizations like Special Forces Association and other agencies within the installation and the community," Roe said.
"It's a great event, and a big help because the school supply lists come out pretty last minute and it's not enough time to go gather it all," said Dech as her children joined a dozen others jumping wildly in the massive inflatable obstacle course.
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