Wing picnic brings base together for food, fellowship, fun

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  About 4,100 Airmen, DoD civilians, retirees and family members showed up at Sun Plaza Park for some free food and fun at this year's base picnic Aug. 28.

The day kicked off around 9:30 a.m. during the yearly Chiefs versus Eagles softball game. The chiefs squeaked out a narrow victory, winning the game 11-9.

During the game, the chiefs took a commanding lead in the 1st inning with six quick runs. The colonels battled back in the 4th inning scoring three runs making the score 3-6 in favor of the chiefs.

Over the next two innings, both teams encountered a few minor holes in their gloves allowing several runs to be scored on the account of errors, bringing the overall score to 6-11 in favor of the chiefs.

Despite the chiefs' lead, the colonels fought back in the bottom of the 6th inning with a three-run in-the-park homerun by Maj. John Spears, 341st Contracting Squadron commander, bringing the score to 9-11.

There was a glimmer of hope for the colonels in the 7th inning when they took down the chiefs in a quick 3-up-3-down fashion but the chiefs returned the favor and shut out the colonels in the last inning.

The cheers from the game weren't the only things in the air because anyone who walked outside their offices around 10:50 a.m. probably caught the faint smell of barbeque as volunteers and members of the Military Affairs Committee and Great Falls Chamber of Commerce got the grills going at Sun Plaza Park.

Before the food was served, Col. Tom Wilcox, 341st Missile Wing commander, made a few opening remarks.

"I'd like to thank everyone for coming out and getting together today," he said "I know you guys work hard every day and it's nice for us to be able to take a break from work."

Wilcox also asked everyone to remember why they were here at Malmstrom. He said to remain focused on the mission and keep in mind the freedoms the Airmen here defend every day.

Along with the food, there were games and different booths set up around Sun Plaza Park, and several military displays set up near the base track.

The annual classic car show featured about 30 cars, which included a few classic Mustangs, El Camino, some newer Corvettes and Camaros to name a few.

The 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers showed off their skills and provided two demonstrations for onlookers.

There were also buses running base tours that gave family members and friends an inside look at what the mission is here.

According to the MAC coordinators and Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, the annual picnic gives those in attendance the chance to break away from the daily grind and relax with family and co-workers.

"The annual base picnic has always been an amazing opportunity for the Military Affairs Committee to demonstrate our full support for the men and women who serve our great nation 24/7 by helping serve them and their families with a great picnic," said Joann Gogo, MAC vice chair. "It is always fun to meet everyone and see our Airmen and their families having an enjoyable day without the pressures associated with their important duties. We believe it is important that the Airmen and their families know how much we appreciate all they do every day and the sacrifices they and their families make in their service to our country."