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JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash., -- Most military spouses meet their loved ones for a day of relaxation in the average American way: by arriving at their destination on solid ground in an automobile. Families of the 1st Special Forces Group met up with loved ones after watching their descent from the sky at 1,500 feet from a helicopter into a freezing cold lake in the Pacific Northwest.
Soldiers took time to appreciate their families and enjoyed a day filled with games, activities, and a picnic during the 1st Special Forces Group’s Organizational day held at the American Lake Recreation Area June 30.
The day started out with dozens of paratroopers performing a water-jump from a Chinook helicopter and landing in the waters of American Lake. Once the soldiers landed, inflatable military Zodiac boats scooped them out of the water and transported them to their families, who observed the jumps from the shoreline at the lake’s recreation area.
“It was a great opportunity to get out there and share with our families what an Airborne Operation is all about; great day,” said a jumpmaster with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Forces Group.
There were events for all ages. Children enjoyed playing in the bouncy house, navigating an obstacle course and participating in a friendly game of tug-of-war. Military spouses competed in this year’s tug-of-war competition. 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group won the adult tug-of-war competition and was presented the Commander’s Cup for tug-of-war excellence.
The operation tempo is always fast and furious within the Special Forces community. The Organizational Day is a way for the Soldiers to show appreciation to their families and take advantage of much deserved leisure time.
“A lot of times we focus solely on the soldiers and we forget about the wives, the children and husbands that don’t deploy,” said Lt. Col Brian R. Vines, deputy commanding officer, 1st Special Forces Group. “They are left here to keep the home-fires burning. They make as much, if not more sacrifices, than the soldiers. We just want to say we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.”
The 1st Special Forces Group has shown its ability not only to skillfully carry out their mission but also to dedicate time to their families.
| Date Taken: | 06.30.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2011 12:25 |
| Story ID: | 73591 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Special Forces soldiers drop in for Organizational Day, by SFC Teresa Adams, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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