FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kansas (July 30, 2020) -- Pushing children in jogging strollers, washing the car, athletic activities and swimming were just some of the ways Fort Leavenworth residents spent the day July 25.
Inspired by YouTube’s “Life in a Day 2020” documentary produced by Ridley Scott and directed Kevin Macdonald, Fort Leavenworth Lamp staff went exploring to document what Fort Leavenworth residents were up to during the warm, summer Saturday.
Washing the car
Lt. Col. Patrick VanKirk, an instructor in the Department of Sustainment and Force Management (formerly Department of Logistics and Resource Operations), Command and General Staff College, and his wife, Theresa VanKirk, were helping their 8-year-old twin daughters Angelina and Isabella earn some extra money by washing their neighbor’s truck.
“The girls, they have a ton of Legos, but they see all these other sets, and they’re like, ‘We don’t have that person yet,’ so we ask them, ‘How can you earn money to buy it?’” Theresa VanKirk said. “We have a chore chart inside, but then (the neighbor) walked up and asked if they wanted to earn some money (washing his truck).”
By washing the vehicle, the girls learned how to apply soap and scrub the car, use a power washer and recognize the importance of safety when using different power tools. Both girls donned ear protection and goggles to protect themselves while the power washer was on.
“Patrick is always all about safety, safety, safety, so they learn all that different stuff,” Theresa VanKirk said.
Basketball
A few more turns around post found 16-year-old Shane Marriott shooting hoops outside his home.
“The hoop was just there,” Marriott said. “I would say (basketball) would be a top sport for me. People say I’m tall, which is a good thing when playing.”
On wheels
Several youth found ways to hang out together while practicing social distancing by skateboarding, riding bikes and, in the case of 10-year-old Stephen Redmon, riding a casterboard for the first time.
“It’s pretty hard, but I just like doing athletic stuff,” Redmon said. “I think (athletics) are fun and it’s good for your body.
“I know that you need to eat a healthy diet, too,” he said. “We eat a lot of meat for our protein, and we eat a lot of vegetables in our family.”
Swimming
With Hancock Pool open, several post families took advantage of the cool water, including Cassie Ward, her husband Maj. James Ward, and their children 14-year-old Madeline, 12-year-old Rhett, 7-year-old Danica, 4-year-old Shianne and 1-year-old Colt.
“They love it here,” Cassie Ward said. “We’re from Tampa (Fla.), so they love water. You’re just free.”
Hancock Outdoor Pool is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for active-duty service members and their families for one-hour time blocks. Same-day reservations are required and must be made between 8-10:30 a.m. To make a reservation, call 684-2191.
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