Spc. Jeremy Baker patiently waited as a little girl climbed up the backside of an inflatable big toy called "Niagara Falls."

As the youngster neared the top, Baker, who serves with the 46th Aviation Support Battalion, extended a hand and pulled her up.  A moment later, she happily slid down the opposite side.

Baker and about a half dozen other Soldiers with BOSS, or Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers, joined forces with this publication to make the A Salute to Our Unsung Heroes event a success.

The event was held Sunday at the St. Martin's Marcus Pavilion in Lacey.

"This is one of the neatest events I've volunteered to work with," Baker said as he took a break.  "I like working with the kids; they've given so much as their loved ones serve."

More than 30 local businesses helped provide a carnival atmosphere for the children of deployed Servicemembers. The major attractions were five large-scale inflatable jungle-type gyms, balloon artists, video games, free pizza and ice cream.

"Her daddy is deployed for the second time," Rebecca Greenburg said as she held her daughter, Lucy.  "This event shows how much the sponsors of this event appreciate my daughter's sacrifice."

In the middle of it all was Staff Sgt. Henry Barnet, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, as he worked on the Circus Train inflatable toy.

"Those of us who work with BOSS saw today as an opportunity to give back to the community," Barnet said. "These kids sacrifice a lot when their parents deploy and they are left behind."

A Department of Army sponsored program, BOSS allows single parents and single Department of Defense employees the opportunity to participate in events that improve morale, increase self-sufficiency and assist in the development of tomorrow's leaders.

"We serve, and being here today allows us to serve these children whose parents have given so much," Barnet said.

For more information, visit www.jblmmwr.com/boss.