JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. — More than 100 campers and chaperones from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) International Burn Camp visited Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on Sept. 30 for a morning of performances, lunch, and time with the installation’s Fire and Emergency Services team.
The International Burn Camp is an annual weeklong program hosted by the IAFF Foundation. Now in its 26th year, the camp brings together teenage burn survivors from across the United States and Canada to the National Capital Region.
The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps welcomed the campers with lively music as they arrived at the JBM-HH firehouse. The group then watched performances by the U.S. Army Drill Team and The U.S. Army Band “Downrange” before sitting down for lunch at the fire station.
Col. Keith P. Sandoval, commander of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, welcomed the group and made clear who the real focus of the day was.
“As talented as our Fife and Drum Corps Soldiers are, they aren’t the main event today,” Sandoval said. “You are.”
Participants, typically between the ages of 13 and 17, come from regional burn camps to take part in a week of activities, educational sessions, and shared experiences. The program is designed to help campers build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form meaningful connections with other burn survivors who understand their journey. Counselors, many of whom are former campers themselves, along with firefighters, medical professionals, and volunteers, provide vital emotional support throughout the week.
This stop at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall has become a cherished tradition of more than 25 years, with JBM-HH firefighters long serving as dedicated supporters of the program. The visit remains one of the highlights of the campers’ week in Washington, D.C.
JBM-HH Fire Chief Jeffrey Toporczyk reflected on the significance of the day.
“Having this opportunity to host such an emotional event that brings together survivors and the incredible journey towards healing extended so much further than physical recovery today,” Toporczyk said. “Joint Base Myer Henderson Hall Fire Department is honored to contribute to the steadfast beacon of support by coming together as a community helping to ensure that healing is recognized as a multi-layered, ongoing process and that survivors are not just supported in recovery but celebrated in their resilience.”
Sandoval praised the adults who support the campers, calling them “mentors, cheerleaders, shoulders to lean on, and living proof that no one walks through recovery alone.”
He then spoke directly to the campers, saying what inspires him most is not only their resilience, but how they treat one another.
“By being vulnerable, by cheering on your new friends, and by sharing your laughter, you are performing an incredible act of Selfless Service,” Sandoval said.
The commander encouraged the group to enjoy the day and continue supporting each other before thanking them for the inspiration they bring to the installation.
The Burn Camp visit gave campers and their supporters an opportunity to relax, enjoy world-class military performances, share a meal, and strengthen the powerful bonds formed during their weeklong program.
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