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City thanks Team Shaw with a splash

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Cohen A. Young
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The city of Sumter threw a party here, Aug. 13, to thank the Airmen and Soldiers of Team Shaw for what they do on a daily basis.

More than 1,500 Team Shaw members and their families gathered in and around Woodland pool to participate in water games and a variety of other events to include face painting for children, volleyball, a bouncy castle, and an obstacle course.

The City of Sumter, Farmers Telephone Cooperative and Progress Energy partnered with Shaw for the 1st Annual Summer Splash.

"Sumter always loves to partner with Shaw for events," said Lynn Kennedy, events manager for the City of Sumter. "We were grateful to have some funds available along with FTC and PE, which made it all possible."

There was also a crew of 30 military members and spouses that joined together to set up tents, bouncy inflatable objects, a volleyball net and face painting stations.

"We couldn't have done this without Shaw personnel coming out to help; it's a great partnership," added Kennedy.

Shaw personnel were delighted to have the opportunity to help with the event.

"It was great experience working with the City," said Airman 1st Class Dominique Smith, a native of Goldsboro, N.C. and a budget technician assigned to the 20th Comptroller Squadron. "I really enjoyed helping out and it was nice to see the children running around and having a good time with our help."

Attendees were also treated to free food, beachballs, snocones, balloons and the music of DJ Boy Wonder while they waited for their faces to be painted or water games to start.

"We were excited to see the amount of people here," said Tech Sgt. Bridget Bivens, a resource manager for the 20th Force Support Squadron.

Many of the parents present were glad to see the support from the city.

"It was good to see the support system from the community," added Bivens. "It's great anytime the city can get together with the base to do something positive, especially when the children are involved."

To allow for maximum participation, the day was a minimum manning day for members of the 20th Fighter Wing, while other tenant units and their family members were also invited to attend the event.

"The turnout was awesome," exclaimed Kennedy. "It was a wonderful thing; I couldn't even get into the pool because it was so full."

The objective of the event was to let the members of Team Shaw know how much they are appreciated by the community.

"Today's event was great," said Derek Rehms, marketing and promotions director for 20th FSS. "It was great for members of Shaw to come out and see how much the City of Sumter appreciates them, their hard work and what they bring to the community of Sumter; I'm just happy to be a part of it."