Gourmet picnic for military members, families, July 29

  • Published
  • By Mary Lou Gorny
  • Hilltop Times editor
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Listening to organizers gear up for the Our Nation's Defenders' Picnic, July 29, you could get the impression that the effort doesn't involve a lot of time, effort and work. When talking to Barbara Riddle, chairwoman for the committee, and active member of the Top of Utah Military Affairs Executive Committee (MAC), as plans unfold smoothly there still might seem to be that impression. But don't believe it.

The annual event for all active duty military members, Guard, Reserve and their families, is by no means a small event. Approximately 1,700 meals were served last year and the committee hopes to serve even more this year. The military celebration welcomes local and state elected officials. Not only are meals provided for those at the picnic, but several to go meals are provided for those on critical duty. Barbecue ribs, potato salad and picnic fare will be provided again this year by Gastronomy Inc. There will be inflatibles for the kids to play on, horseshoes and volleyball will be set up and a live band will be providing entertainment all to show appreciation to military members.

The underpinnings of the event began in December of 2001 as the community organized to welcome home those who had deployed after Sept. 11.

Since then, the event has morphed into one giant celebration for all the welcome homes and send-offs one could imagine in order to thank all the military members.

"It's about providing something in a selfless way that benefits the troops and their families," said Riddle, "a big celebration of the service they provide and being able to really thank them and honor them for the commitment and the sacrifices they make in protecting our country."

"The endless support of our community has given us another great event," said Maj. Gen. Andrew Busch, Ogden Air Logistics Center commander. "I encourage all our uniformed Team Hill Airmen to bring their families out and enjoy the food, live music and children's activities."

Families need to RSVP through their first sergeants by July 25 for the July 29 picnic at Centennial Park, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Barbecue will be served from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and the gathering continue for one more hour.

Riddle talked about the active sponsors, America First Credit Union, Zion's Bank and Gastronomy Inc., as well as contributions by Colonial Flag, Interform Graphics, Summit Ice and Wal-Mart to make the picnic a success.

A committee of eight civilians from the MAC and 10 committee members from the base will ultimately be supported by more than 80 volunteers involved in set up and tear down.

Lt. Peter Densmore, 75th Force Support Squadron, said that the efforts by base personnel were made to enhance the Military Affairs Committee's efforts. "We're really just their hands here on base," he said. "It's the MAC's show, so we're working more to ensure that everything they want to offer comes through."

For questions or more information e-mail, peter.densmore@hill.af.mil.