Team Malmstrom enjoys base picnic

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen, civilians, retirees and family members showed up at Sun Plaza Park for free food, games and giveaways at the annual base picnic Aug. 21.

Co-sponsored by the 341st Force Support Squadron, Military Affairs Committee of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce and other local business, each year the picnic is held to show the appreciation Great Falls has for Malmstrom personnel and their families.

"I really want to say thanks to the community," said Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st Missile Wing Commander. "There's over 50 sponsors from the community out here today to help put this on, buy the food, fund the entire picnic and say thanks to the Airmen for what they do."

Donna Whitmore is the commercial sponsorship coordinator on base and her job is to rally support from Great Falls and surrounding communities for events on base. Whitmore said it was not hard at all to get Great Falls to support and sponsor the event.

"Great Falls is a really supportive community," said Whitmore. "I'm really happy with the sponsors and the community. They love their military and this is how we say thank you to Team Malmstrom."

Hotdogs and hamburgers were on the menu, with enough food to feed all of the guests in attendance including Senior Airman Aaron Isenhauer, 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron maintainer, and his wife and two kids who showed up for their third base picnic.

"We just got here and they're ready to eat," said Isenhauer. "I think the event is a good idea because it brings everybody together that may not know each other."

While some were busy being entertained by games, free food, carnival rides, games and static displays, others were busy getting their faces painted and socializing as a whole community.

"My favorite part is walking around and getting to talk to everybody," said Wilcox. "I get to see all the family members, I get to see the community members and plus it brings us all together in the same venue where we can all come together and have a good time."

In the upcoming months, the 341st FSS will already begin planning and coordinating for next year's base picnic.