FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The women from Fort Carson came out in full force Saturday for Girl's Night Out: Camo and Pink sponsored by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"The best part about this," said Jessica Pederson as she emerged from an inflatable castle, "the kids aren't here."
Other women agreed.
"We're here to get away from the husbands," Michelle Nash said, laughing.
More than 300 women came out for cotton candy martinis, inflatable houses, dancing, massages and an oxygen bar.
"The event was a huge success with tons of fabulous prizes being given out thanks to our sponsors, lots of fun was had, and tasty treats were consumed," said Michele Bean, an event organizer. "Next time we plan to have an even bigger and better Girl's Night Out event that the women can look forward to in October."
Bean said the May event was part of the Military Spouse Appreciation Day, which was May 6.
President Barack Obama designated the day with an official presidential proclamation.
The proclamation states, "Military spouses serve as steady and supportive partners to the heroes in uniform who protect and defend our great nation every day. Across America and around the world, military spouses serve our country in their own special way, helping Families and friends through the stress of a deployment, caring for our wounded warriors, and supporting each other when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Our servicemembers and their Families seldom ask for support or recognition. They carry out their duties to Family and country with the quiet courage and strength that has always exemplified the American spirit. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we have an opportunity to not only honor the husbands and wives of our servicemembers, but also thank them by actively expressing our gratitude in both word and deed."
Military Spouse Appreciation Day comes as part of the national "Joining Forces" initiative, which provides opportunities and support to servicemembers and Families.
For the spouses at Fort Carson, the night out provided a welcomed release from day-to-day stresses.
"We just wanted to get out and have fun," said Maleaia Peterson, adding she was looking forward to the massages and karaoke.
Outside the Special Events Center, women could scale a rock wall or try out the trampoline bungee.
Women raced each other on inflatable obstacle courses, battled in the jousting ring and fought in giant, inflatable "hamster balls."
Although the women came for a fun night out, military police were still on hand just to make sure girls weren't getting too wild.
"We were told to come out here and have a presence," said Sgt. Michael Dunn, 984th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion.
Dunn said the women appeared to be behaving themselves.
"Everybody seems to be in good spirits," he said. "It looks like everyone is just here to have a good time."
Social Sharing