D-M 50 picnic attracts thousands of attendees

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa T. Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Thanks to the efforts of the DM-50 picnic committee and base volunteers, more than 3,500 people attended the 15th annual DM-50 picnic Oct. 27 at Bama Park here.

Temperatures in the 90s, coupled with cool crisp breezes, also provided favorable weather conditions for this year's picnic, themed "Welcome to the Wild, Wild West."

"The entertainment was the best part of the event and that people stayed around to enjoy it," said Maj. Belinda Doherty, 355th Medical Group education and training flight commander, and the 355th Fighter Wing's representative designated to help plan the picnic.

A variety of activities like pony rides, face painting, a train ride, jumping castles, laser tag and a rock wall kept the youngest of participants busy, while adults were treated to karaoke, cancan dancers, mechanical bull rides, line-dancing instruction, a country band and an Old West gun-fight show and rope tricks.

"The event was a huge success," said Major Doherty. "The difference between this year's and last year's picnic was the theme that drew the crowd in."

One first-time picnic volunteer, Staff Sgt. Yillian Barriere, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 355th Comptroller Squadron's commander's support staff, said she volunteered this year because she wanted to be a part of a historically fun event.

"I really enjoyed the food, the children's activities, karaoke and the events," she said. "It was very family-oriented and felt as if you were at a carnival or festival."

The western-themed picnic proved to be well worth the dedicated effort and planning of the many individuals, organizations and volunteers involved.

"I plan on volunteering next year and I think it was a great morale booster for Airmen and their families," said Sergeant Barriere.

"The best part of the event was to get that many people together outside of a non-working environment relaxing and having a good time," Capt. Heidi Simpson, 355th Medical Group practice manager and assistant POC for the event.

The DM-50 hosts the annual picnic for the D-M personnel and their families with free entertainment and food.

"We would really like to thank the many volunteers, and especially the DM-50 who dedicated their time to the picnic," said Major Doherty.