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Food, fun, freebies: Community shows their appreciation

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Wyrick, 20th Medical Group commander, serves food to an Airman during a Military Appreciation Picnic at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 30, 2016. Throughout the picnic, Team Shaw leadership lined up to serve food alongside volunteers from the Sumter community in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship and patriotism. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kelsey Tucker)

Food, fun, freebies: Community shows their appreciation

U.S. Airmen participate in a Military Appreciation Picnic at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sept. 30, 2016. The picnic was hosted by the Sumter Chamber of Commerce and SAFE Federal Credit Union to show their appreciation for the military community on Shaw. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kelsey Tucker)

Food, fun, freebies: Community shows their appreciation

Published Oct. 5, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Kelsey Tucker
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- A bright, sunny day greeted members of Team Shaw as they gathered in Hangar 1200 for this year’s Military Appreciation Picnic, Sept. 30.

Held annually, the Military Appreciation Picnic is an opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the service members at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

“We’ve been doing this for over 15 years,” said Chris Hardy, Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce president. “It’s just a way for us to say thank you to the servicemen and women here at Shaw AFB.”

Being new to the base, the show of support from the local community made him feel welcome, said Airman Brett Baumler, 20th Operations Support Squadron weather forecaster.

The Sumter Chamber of Commerce and SAFE Federal Credit Union hosted the event, along with sponsors from the local community such as schools, financial institutions and insurance companies, who were there to showcase their products and services. Active duty service members were treated to hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks, as well as cookies donated by volunteers from the community.

Between service members and volunteers, attendance at the picnic could easily be counted over 1,500, said Hardy.

For 75 years Shaw and Sumter have shared growth and friendship, creating a tradition of community partnership and patriotism.