442nd Fighter Wing hosts Family Day 2012

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  More than 1,000 reservists and their families attended the 442nd Fighter Wing family day picnic at Ike Skelton Park here May 6.

This year's picnic started off with a 5-kilometer run down Vandenburg Avenue, which was organized by Maj. Brienne Newman, 442nd Medical Squadron nutritionist.

"Major Newman led our first 5-kilometer run, which was a great success," said Capt. Keith Yersak, 442nd FW executive officer. "She took the tasking and literally ran with it."

Yersak said he thought the run exceeded everyone's expectations and said he heard people are already talking about next year's run.

"It was fun, and we hope to make it an annual event," he said.

Running certainly worked up an appetite for the more-than-70 runners and their families. Thankfully, National Beef and Fishnet Security Systems were on hand to deliver a hearty repast. 

"We had strong support from these companies, who donated time and volunteers to help make this a successful event, and we thank them," Yersak said.

Tech. Sgt. Kevan Taylor, 442nd Maintenance Squadron production specialist, was on the comittee that helped organize the family day picnic.

"It takes a lot of effort and time to organize an event of this scope," Taylor said. "We came together as a wing and started planning months ahead of time."

Taylor was directly involved in securing the food and personnel from National Beef and Fishnet Security Systems.

"We continue to have great support from them," he said. "They come in and cook and serve for 15 to 18 hours, just to get us a meal."

There were many sights and attractions in addition to the run and food: Members of the 509th Mission Support Group Fire Department were on hand to demonstrate their equipment; the 509th Security Forces conducted a K-9 demonstration using Chief Master Sgt. Allan Sturges, retiring command chief; a chip-over-the-pond event; the Key Spouses had custom ID tags for sale; and reservists were given the chance to throw a pie in the face of their favorite first sergeants.

A highlight of the picnic was a visit from Rep. Vicky Hartzler,4th Congressional District.

Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd FW commander, said it was a great honor to have Hartzler at the picnic. 

"Thank you for your service and all you do for this country," Hartzler said. "We are behind you all the way."

After she addressed the reservists and families, Hartzler assisted Overturf in honoring members of the Key Spouse club for their support of the event.

Overturf said he thought the family day was a great success and could not have been done without a wing-wide effort.

"This whole event was a great way to thank the families who supported the hundreds of reservists who deployed to Afghanistan this year," he said. "Family members make it happen."