Third Army celebrates families at annual picnic

Photo By Master Sgt. Reeba Critser | Claire, 5, dances with her father, Maj. Tim Bennett, Third Army/U.S. Army Central Special Troops Battalion executive officer, at Third Army's annual picnic June 16, 2007. The two danced to music provided by the Ground Forces Band. Approximately 300 Soldiers and family members attended the four-hour event held at Jacob's Park, Fort McPherson, Ga.  

FORT MACPHERSON, GA, UNITED STATES

06.20.2007

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Reeba Critser 

U.S. Army Central   

FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. (June 20, 2007) – Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, commander of Third Army/U.S. Army Central, held the unit's annual picnic June 16, 2007, at Jacob's Park at Fort McPherson, Ga.

The picnic featured a dunk tank, bounce house, snow cones and face painting.

"The [activities] are fun for kids and grownups can do it too," said Jasmine, 8, daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Pamela Robinson, G4 Mobility Division. "There's a dunk tank! You know it's guaranteed it's going to be good."

Crowd pleasers from last year's picnic returned to the scene. Magician David Allen, "Bubble Man" Robin Booth and the Ground Forces Band entertained children and adults on site.

"I like the food, the magic man and the dunk tank," said Nikayla Nash, 14, daughter of Maj. Chauncy Nash, G3 Plans. "It's different this year because we didn't have our dad last year [due to deployment]."

"The weather is a little cooler," said Sophia Nash, wife of Maj. Nash and mother of Nikayla. "We didn't get to do a lot of family things last year so this is wonderful. And I love the Dixie land music [the band is playing]."

The four weeks it took to plan the picnic paid off said Sgt. 1st Class Kristine Warren, Third Army's Surgeon Office.

"It was easier this time because the Soldiers who did the coordination last year are the same for this year," Warren said. "Hats off to the Augmentation Company and HHC for showing up early to set up."

Everyone left the four-hour event feeling happy and comfortable with each other, said Spc. Johnita McNeill, Special Troops Battalion Admin Office.

"My kid, Jailyn, 4 months old, is worn out," McNeill said. "It's a great atmosphere. It gives everyone an opportunity to meet everyone else.

"We're coming back next year."

• Date Taken: 06.20.2007
• Date Posted: 06.25.2007 10:46
• Story ID: 10953
• Location: FORT MACPHERSON, GA, US