Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Fahey | 181110-N-VN372-004 TODD STATION, Texas – (Nov. 11, 2018) A professional fire dancer...... read more read more
A handful of Sailors from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Houston joined friends and members from other service branches for a day-long escape to the 2018 Texas Renaissance Festival Saturday, Nov. 10.
Coordinated by NRD Houston’s First Class Petty Officer Association, the reprieve from reality was designed to provide participants with a chance to connect with a different section of the Houston community and take a breath from both military life and the fast-approaching stress of the Holiday Season.
“I believe that we give military members a chance to escape from their cares for a while and step back into a different world and a different time,” said Travis Bryant, the festival’s marketing and public relations lead.
Surrounded by medieval-era costumes, fire breathers, and knife and hatchet throwing, members were easily slung into a time where traffic, shopping hours and other modern woes were easily dismissed. Sailors made fast friends with other festival patrons who welcomed them without regard to cultural backgrounds or affiliations. Acceptance was freely given and as the Sailors stripped down years of stress through friendly competitions with things like archery and throwing different types of blades against large wooden dragon targets.
“This was my first time there” said Nuclear Field Recruiter Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 1st Class Nate Reeves. “It was a lot of fun! I didn’t really know what to expect but everyone was friendly, helpful, and were willing to give us all their festival advice.”
According to the festival’s Web site, the event offered more than 20 stages of different live entertainment including clowns, jugglers, musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, comedians, and jousting. Part of the festival’s mission was to help transport participants to a time where modern issues take a back seat to great food, simple fun and a welcoming built-in community.
The Holiday Season poses specific challenges to military members. During the joyful season, an average of 20 service members or veterans commit suicide every day. Discovering new outlets to vent, enjoy life and bond with other service members can make a life-changing difference for those who struggle with depression, combat related stress and other forms of debilitating health issues.
“When the First Class Association voted in its new officers, their top goal was to help build a closer community with the district,” said FCPOA Special Events Officer Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey. “Finding was to further connect with ourselves, each other and the community is the reason I accepted this job, and I’m happy so many came out to enjoy this opportunity. The association is committed to our goals and look forward to creating more chances to enjoy Houston’s diverse opportunities.”
Navy Recruiting District Houston is committed to finding the best and brightest men and women for America’s Navy. The First Class Association is committed to helping the district accomplish this important mission while also enhancing the quality of life of those throughout the command and beyond.
| Date Taken: | 11.10.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2018 23:16 |
| Story ID: | 299615 |
| Location: | HOUSTON, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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