Back to News Front

AUSA and Gig Harbor show appreciation

The second annual AUSA 201st BfSB Family Day was a giant success

201st tug-of-war competition: 109th Military Intelligence Battalion digs deep in competition finals. Photo credit: James Williams

Email Article Print Article Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on StumbleUpon

Members of the 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade (BfSB) and their families participated in a well-deserved day of relaxation and fun Friday, Aug. 7. The second annual 201st BfSB Family Day, hosted by the Association of the United States Army's (AUSA) Gig Harbor Subchapter, succeeded in strengthening family, camaraderie and community bonds.

Nearly every corner of the 98-acre Sehmel Homestead Park in Gig Harbor was used to maximize the family day experience, including three softball fields, a football field, basketball court and pavilion. In addition to taking advantage of the playground, children and their families were invited to enjoy several inflatable bounce houses and slides provided by Merry Makers.

A roaming clown making balloon animals, a live band, a magician and face painters were also in attendance, giving the event more of a small-town fair feel than that of a mandatory fun day.

The intent behind holding such events is "to strive to build stronger relationships between the community and soldiers," said John Guarda, AUSA Gig Harbor subchapter president and event organizer.

More than 13 companies from the surrounding area participated to show their appreciation, including Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, which catered the event and provided delicious food. The Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation partnered with the Captain Meriwether AUSA Chapter to further the message of community and to let soldiers, who may be close to separation from the military, know that they are not alone.

Amy Tiemeyer, president of the Captain Meriwether AUSA Chapter, said the partnership is to help engage outgoing soldiers in the hopes that when they do join civilian life, they will have strengthened a bond with their community and know there is help should they need it.

Soldiers of the 201st BfSB put on a great show of athleticism and unity for their families and community members in each of the nine athletic competitions. From a sack race to flag football, every battalion competed for first place trophies and bragging rights. The 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion showed great resilience, teamwork, and strength as it brought home the championship in the coveted tug-of-war competition.  

Though participating teams showed athletic prowess, they were slightly shown up by the arrival of members of the Sea Gals. Always strong supporters of the military and JBLM, Sea Gals Tamaria and Dedjuana came by to show their support and appreciation as well.  

Family Day this year was an immense success. From beginning to end, attendees took part in endless fun accompanied by great weather and all in a beautiful location. Guarda said none of it would have been possible without the help of the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce and 201st BfSB's Lt. Mark Wolf. The organizers' hard work and preparation paid off. The brigade's soldiers and family members walked away from the event knowing that all of their hard work and sacrifices do not go unnoticed and that they are appreciated by everyone in the community; community members were given the opportunity to show gratitude to their heroes and spend a fun-filled day with the men and women of the 201st BfSB.

comments powered by Disqus