Base picnic; always a hit

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 3,000 people attended this year's base picnic at the Sun Plaza Park Aug. 15. The picnic was sponsored by the Military Affairs Committee and the 341st Force Support Squadron. 

The 341st FSS and the MAC served up more than 2,000 brats, 3,000 hamburgers, 2,400 hot dogs, 200 lbs of macaroni salad, 300 lbs of potato salad and 2,500 ice cream cups. 

"The MAC generally holds its own independent picnic for military members off base to say 'thank you,' but this year we decided to join forces and come out for the base-wide picnic," said Ric Mauseth, MAC vice-chairman. "This event gave us an opportunity to come out and see a lot more people and show our appreciation." 

More than 50 volunteers from the MAC, local businesses and the community came out to help serve food, help with setting up, tearing down and cook. 

Along with the food, many other activities were held to ensure a good time for all involved.
A K-9 demonstration drew a large crowd in the midst of the festivities, and the fire department's ever-popular water cannon was a hit, as usual, said Staci Corder, 341st FSS marketing director. 

"Another new hit for this year was the Dance Heads," Ms. Corder said. "This was very popular with all ages and was visible by the anxious participants who waited in lines long after the picnic ended. Each person got a free CD of their lip-synced song, which was played while animated dancing bodies moved to the music." 

Outdoor Recreation also set up jolly jumpers, and several carnival games with tattoos and prize giveaways were held. 

The car show had a record number of participants with over 38 cars, and the winner of the "Cruisin' the Summer" 4-wheeler giveaway, sponsored was Airman 1st Class Alex Holmes, 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron.

Grizzly Challenge also had a great turn out with eight participants and many more spectators, Ms. Corder said. The winners of the Grizzly Challenge competition were; heavy weight, 2nd Lt. William Prescott, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron; middle weight and overall winner, Capt. Jahrod Matlock, 341st Security Forces Squadron; and light weight, Airman Alex Mendoza, 341st SFS. 

"All in all, after seven years of putting the picnic on, we continually make improvements each year and it seems to run almost flawlessly," Ms. Corder said. "With the help of the volunteers and MAC, we are able to serve everyone with virtually no waiting. We also have so many events happening throughout the day that there really are activities to meet everyone's interest."