D-M 50 Picnic goes off without a hitch, provides picnic-goers with fun-under-the-sun

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamie L. Coggan
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 3000 Airmen, base employees and family members gathered at Davis-Monthan's Bama Park March 13 to join in the 16th annual D-M 50 Picnic.

"It goes without saying, a major highlight was the children's faces as they climbed, tumbled and bounced on the numerous activities," said 1st Lt. Kenneth Cooper, 355th Civil Engineering Squadron representative, and one of the base representatives designated to help plan the picnic. "Parent's and military members were able to let their hair down as they soaked in the exciting atmosphere."

A variety of activities including face painting, a train ride, jumping castles and laser tag kept the youngest of participants entertained, while adults were treated to mechanical bull rides, music and free food and drinks.

First-time picnic volunteer, Tech. Sgt. Michelle Oddo, 355th Emergency Maintenance Squadron Munitions inspector, said she volunteered because she thought it would be a great opportunity to help the base with such a big event.

"The event went very well," she said. "It was a lot of work but the outcome was well worth it."

The picnic was a success and proved to be well worth the devoted effort and planning of the many individuals, organizations and volunteers involved, according to Lieutenant Cooper.

"The camaraderie of the entire base that went into making such a huge event a success was amazing," he said. "We had folks from all over the base step-up, bond together and make things happen."

The D-M 50 hosts the picnic every March and provides free food and entertainment for D-M personnel and their families.