Camp Red Cloud Families celebrated National Library Week and the Month of the Military Child with food, fun and other festivities April 16 near the CRC library.
The Soldiers and Family members savored tasty hamburgers and hot dogs during the barbecue, sponsored by the CRC Pear Blossom Cottage.
CRC leaders described the event as an effort to foster community spirit at the Warrior Division headquarters hub. Just two years ago, Families were a rare sight on CRC and throughout Area I; but with command sponsorship on the rise, events like the barbecue are increasingly relevant.
"We know there is more command sponsorship and we're trying to be proactive and make sure there are events to make people feel more at home," said Gordon Imrie, the manager of the CRC library.
With warm temperatures and a cool breeze, weather conditions were favorable for the occasion. Soldiers and their Families enjoyed food that sizzled fresh off the grill. Children played cordially together and could be seen swinging and drawing colorful pictures on the concrete with chalk.
"The kids love things like this. Plus, we just wanted to show our support. If more people attend, it will encourage them to keep hosting events like this," said Lauren Gasper, a command-sponsored mother of three whose husband serves with B Co., Division Special Troops Battalion.
In addition to the barbecue, the library held a variety of other events throughout the month of April in recognition of the Month of the Military Child. The facility sponsored a weekly "story time," for instance, with each session based on a different theme. Maj. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, the 2nd Infantry Division commander, even turned up as a guest reader for one event. Themes included "Earth Day" and "pajama day."
As Families continue to arrive in Area I, the developing base infrastructure expands to support them. Division and base leaders alike emphasize the importance of Family life and Family facilities.
"Behind every good Soldier, there's a Family. They've been invited to come to Korea and the least we could do is be waiting to help them out and make them feel like they're at home wherever they may be," Imrie said.
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