FORT DRUM, N.Y. (July 26, 2018) -- The Army Community Service staff invited everyone at Fort Drum to join them on July 25 to celebrate ACS's 53 years of supporting Soldiers and Families.
Catherine Ferran, ACS director, was standing near the front entrance to welcome people inside, when a child asked her whose birthday they were having a party for.
"This is for everyone," Ferran said. "We want everyone to come to ACS, enjoy the party atmosphere and have a good time."
Attendees snacked on a birthday lunch of hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, chips and - of course - birthday cake and ice cream. On a steamy summer day, the sno-cones were the popular treat of the day. Children occupied themselves with games while parent could meet with ACS staff and learn about the many programs, classes and events that are available.
"They can learn where we are - since we moved - and learn who we are," said Ferran. "ACS is a community-friendly organization that supports all our Soldiers and their Families. It makes me feel very proud because it's all about serving them."
When they moved to their new location at 1780 Restore Hope Avenue earlier in the year, ACS became neighbors to the 760th and 754th Ordnance (EOD) companies. Ferran said that those Soldiers were extended a special invitation to join them in the day's celebration, and she was happy to see them stop in for the festivities.
"I love it when we have Soldiers here, especially when they come with their Families," she said. "Family interactions are so important to us; and with the operation tempo that we have in this community, it's good to see Families out together and interacting in a positive manner."
The ACS staff appeared to be having just as much fun as their guests, too.
"You can see that in their faces and when they talk with people," Ferran said. "That's one thing I can say about the ACS staff, whatever the event is they will all pull together as one to support the event and to support each other. Everyone who works at ACS shares the same passion, and that is taking care of Soldiers and their Families."
During the party, Brig. Gen. Patrick Donahoe, 10th Mountain Division (LI) deputy commanding general, presented Sierra Coons with a certificate of achievement for having accumulated more than 2,000 hours of volunteer service at ACS.
Dani'El Reed, Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator, said that Coons is very dedicated in her volunteering efforts.
"She volunteers two days a week, puts in a full workday and she does so much for ACS," Reed said. "She makes everybody in this building smile. She is very special to us, always keeping us on our toes, and always keeping herself busy."
The ACS staff is hosting another party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 10, with games, music and treats. The ACS Summer Bash, sponsored by the Family Advocacy Program and Exceptional Family Member Program, will include a limited supply of backpacks and school items, courtesy of the North Country Spouses Club. Personnel from Child and Youth Services and the Fort Drum school liaison officer will be there to answer questions about the upcoming school year.
To learn more about Fort Drum ACS, call (315) 772-2271, visit www. drum.armymwr.com/programs/army-community-service or visit their facility at 1780 Restore Hope Avenue.
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