Airmen, families unwind during DM-50 picnic

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In an unofficial kick-off to the spring season, more than 4,000 Airmen and families ventured to Bama Park for the annual D-M 50 picnic here March 26.

Col. John Cherrey, 355th Fighter Wing commander, raved about the festivities via the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's Facebook page on behalf of all the Airmen at D-M.

"DM-50 PICNIC = HUGE SUCCESS!" he posted. "I'd like to thank the DM-50 along with all of the volunteers and workers at the picnic for making this a huge success. For those that missed it, it was a great afternoon of music, kids' entertainment, 85 spectacular cars, and food and beverages provided free from the DM-50 to our Airmen."

During the picnic, Airmen and families were treated to food and beverages, as well as a variety of events, including a car show, a live disc jockey and a performance by The Clearwater Band.

Children were not left out on the fun in the sun. The picnic offered jumping castles, pony rides, a petting zoo and face painting.

In addition to the DM-50 sponsored events, the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group provided three tours and the 355th Security Forces Squadron's military working dog handlers held a demonstration showcasing the unit's capabilities.

According to the group's Web site, www.dm50.org, the DM-50 is a non-profit volunteer service organization formed in 1986 by Tucson civic and business leaders to further enhance and strengthen the relationship between the base personnel and the local community. While there is no formal tie between the organization and the installation, DM-50 assisted in developing initiatives geared toward improving the quality of life for D-M's Airmen.