Standing on a baseball field and facing east into the morning sun, Spec. Mario Alvarado stood at parade rest holding the colors of the 555th Engineer Brigade. 

He wisely kept his eyes almost closed.

"It's awesome to be here this morning," Alvarado said as the brigade formed up behind him. "This day will be amazing; it is all about spirit de corps for the Triple Nickel."

The Eastside Subchapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) hosted its fourth Appreciation Day to honor the brigade's accomplishments. The 555th Engineer Brigade is sponsored by the Eastside Chapter of the AUSA.

AUSA is a private, nonprofit organization that works primarily as an advocacy group for the United States Army. Founded in 1950, the association has chapters worldwide. Of primary focus is the association's efforts to ensure that servicemembers are well trained, properly equipped and receive benefits, pay and allowances that are competitive.

"It's a chance for the Triple Nickel Engineer Brigade chain of command and local community partners to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of the brigade," said retired SFC Michael Farnum, the director of military outreach at Pacific Lutheran University. "This event is about building teamwork and morale in a fun space."

Creating a space to strengthen and build teamwork takes some heavy lifting, and the subchapter received significant help from the center.

"We worked with Pierce County Parks and with Mark Richards, the coordinator at the Sprinker Recreation Center," continued Farnum. "As a result of this cooperation, the entire facility was available for the exclusive use of the Triple Nickel for the day."

That included the basketball courts, the baseball fields, the ice rink -- everything the 408-acre center has offered to the public for the past 42 years.

Working just as hard to make the day a success was a number of the military's community supporters.

"They contributed volunteer hours, sweat equity, in-kind donations and even financial support in order to make this event spectacular," explained Farnum.

The sponsors were Titus-Will Chevrolet, Farrelli's Pizza, JP Work, Franz Bakery, Starbucks, the Walmart Foundation, Pacific Lutheran University, Harborstone, Veterans' United, America's Credit Union, United Services Automobile Association, Trident and Brandman Universities, US Family Health Care, the 555th Able Soldier and Family Fund, Fir Lane Memorial Park and the Home Depot.

"What a great day," Spec. Eric Johnson said as he watched and waited to get into a basketball game.  

"We bond with our families; we appreciate the day and all that went into making it what it is; and we work together. What could be better?"