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Local Chamber of Commerce hosts military appreciation picnic

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce hosted the 7th Annual Military Appreciation Picnic for Team Shaw members, here, Sept. 25.

The chamber of commerce planned for up to 1,400 Team Shaw members to gather at Hangar 1200 for a free meal and to learn about services provided by more than 25 local businesses within the community.

Just as the Airmen and community partners volunteered in the preparation of the picnic, Shaw leadership saw it fit to volunteer and help with the event.

"It's about leadership, it's about serving," said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher McKinney, 20th Fighter Wing command chief. "Leadership is serving, and a lot of times people don't see leadership in their serving role. It's important for me to be here serving burgers with other commanders and chiefs. Knowing someone cares about you and a free burger, whose morale isn't boosted with a free burger?"

Before the event, Airmen and soldiers volunteered in setting up the event with the help of community partners, no matter the conditions.

"These types of events don't happen if we didn't have the volunteer support," said Col Douglas Thies, 20th Operations Group commander. "So I want to thank all the volunteers who were here yesterday setting up tables in the rain and who were out here cooking all the food."

As hot dogs and burgers were consumed and the picnic came to a close, Team Shaw was reminded that they can not only depend on their fellow service member, but their local community members as well.