Fort Hunter Liggett hosted its fourth annual Freedom Fest on June 28, 2025, bringing Soldiers, families, and the community together to celebrate America’s independence. The event featured live music, family-friendly games like axe throwing and extreme cornhole, a variety of food and beverages from local vendors, and a splash zone where local community kids enjoyed beating the heat alongside children from the military community.
Fort Hunter Liggett is located in the southern part of Monterey County, along the Central Coast of California, between King City to the northeast and Paso Robles to the south. The installation is also close to the smaller towns of Lockwood and Bradley, which is one of the reasons why Freedom Fest is open to the public each year. Since the event debuted in 2021, families from both on and off the installation have enjoyed making it an Independence Day tradition.
“We come to Freedom Fest every year,” said Orlando Garcia, a retired Army veteran and coach at King City High School. “Every year, I invite some of the student athletes and their families so they can see how the Army takes care of their Soldiers and Civilians. The event gets better and better, and I believe that does a tremendous job improving both morale and recruitment.”
“Several of our athletes have already committed to join the military after graduation. I honestly believe that introducing them to events like this—and being a veteran myself—has inspired some of these kids. I grew up near Ft. Sill and events like these have been core memories from my childhood. They mean a lot to me and my family. We hope to be a part of it again next year.”
Jacqui Haggerty, Fort Hunter Liggett’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Community Recreation Officer, has proudly supported this event for the past two years and gave a shout-out to her coworkers and staff members.
“Every directorate had a hand in planning, supporting, and ensuring that both the on-post and off-post communities enjoyed a fun-filled evening together,” she said.
“Over 50 team members worked tirelessly in the heat to set up the event and run activities,” she added. “Events like this, and the days they celebrate, remind all of us, active duty and civilians alike, why we do what we do. We’ll always do everything in our power to support the Soldiers and families who have dedicated their futures to serving and protecting our nation.”
This year’s Freedom Fest also marked the first large-scale community celebration under Fort Hunter Liggett’s new command team. Col. Stephen Trotter recently relinquished command to Col. Jason McKenzie, who previously served as deputy garrison commander at FHL from 2018 to 2020. Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Buzard passed responsibility to CSM David Fimbres, and Lt. Col. Katherine Brummer took over as deputy garrison commander, replacing Lt. Col. Amorris Conley.
“This was my first Freedom Fest as garrison commander, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team that brought it to life,” said Col. McKenzie. “Seeing Soldiers, families, and neighbors from our surrounding communities come together in celebration is a reminder of what makes this post so special. Our mission starts with people, and events like the Freedom Fest reflect the strength, unity, and resilience of those we serve.”
Freedom Fest is a free public event drawing hundreds from across the region. The evening wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display, an annual highlight that families look forward to each year. With music playing and children waving glow sticks under the stars, the show lit up the night sky in a powerful tribute to the nation’s independence.
For many, it wasn’t just about the food or festivities—it was about coming together as one community. Events like Freedom Fest offer more than entertainment; they reflect the Army’s commitment to people, connection, and tradition.
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