Welcome Home Carnival puts smiles on faces

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Smith
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Food, games, balloons, door prizes and even a magician were all part of Hill Air Force Base's first Welcome Home Carnival held at Club Hill on March 12.

More than 40 families attended the carnival, many with small children who didn't stop smiling during the duration of the festivities.

The first stop for many was the food tables which included, but was not limited to, egg rolls, chicken strips, hot dogs, popcorn, chocolate fondue, and chips and dip. Following or prior to a good meal, kids were able to participate in games and win prizes that usually involved some kind of candy. Even kids who didn't want to walk around the room had the option of staying in their seats to be entertained by a magician who was working the room.

Just before door prizes were given out, Col. Medler, 75th Air Base Wing commander, presented Bob and Dianne Long with commander's coins and a plaque. The Longs donated all of the money to put on the carnival. The Longs are a local family who generously support Hill AFB Airmen through the Airman & Family Readiness Center. Colonel Medler thanked the Longs and let them know the event meant a lot to returning deployers and their families. She also thanked everyone for attending and said the carnival is something the base will try to do quarterly.

"It was an awesome event, and I would definitely recommend the carnival to other people with families," said Maj. James Becker, 518th Combat Sustainment Wing, who attended with his children. "It was really for the kids, and it was fun to see them having a good time and smiling in that type of environment."

The next Welcome Home Carnival is tentatively scheduled for mid June.