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America's birthday celebrated in Southwest Asia

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Bryan Swink
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  When you think about birthday celebrations, you might envision balloons, cake, presents and ice cream ... or maybe a 5k? For the Airmen and coalition partners here at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the 5k is how they started off their day.

What better way to kick of America's 236th birthday than to run in the annual Freedom 5k here at the 379th AEW?

While most Americans stateside were snuggled peacfully in their beds, the men and women of the 379th AEW were hitting the pavement to recognize our nation's birthday and kick-off a day-long celebration of events honoring America and providing opportunities for service members to compete, relax and enjoy some of the comforts from home they miss during deployments.

More than 500 runners started their day off by participating in the annual 5K Freedom Run which kicked off at 5 a.m.

"Historically for the 5K Freedom Run, we max out at 200 runners, but today we had an awesome turnout" said Lt. Col. Eries Mentzer, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron commander. "We loved the July 4th spirit displayed by many of our runners and are thrilled about the exceptional number of fitness-focused, fun-run wingmen this rotation."

No 4th of July celebration would be complete without some fun and excitement by the pool. More than 50 people and 12 competitors gathered at the CC pool to participate in the Biggest Splash Contest.

This event was judged on style, technical savy and the splash factor. Each contestant was given one opportunity to make their jump count! Participants were judged by their peers and a panel of first rate judges from the Force Support Squadron. First place in the male and female divisions were Airman 1st Class Kenway Hensley and Air Force cadet Richan Cami.

As the sun began to set, the grilling and entertainment began. Service members lined up at Memorial Plaza to select the perfect T-bone steak, season it to taste and grill it themself. Fellowship and entertainment followed the meal.

Comedians Nema Williams and Daran Howard each took the stage to entertain and amuse the packed pavilion. Both comedians have traveled around the world entertaining servicemembers over the past several years.

"These guys are funny," according to Staff Sgt. Sheila deVera. "It's nice to take a break and relax from the busy day to day responsibilities we have here at the 379th."

Soul Café, an R&B cover band, performed as the final act of the birthday festivities. The seven-member band played a variety of music from Michael Jackson's Billie Jean to dance music like the Cupid Shuffle.

There might not have been fireworks on this 4th of July, but the excitement and celebration of America's birthday wasn't lost in this deployed location.