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Show HILLTOP TIMES '19,y2u 0. CELEBRATE RODEO SEASON Airmen enjoy picnic fare at the Nation's Defenders' Picnic at Centennial Park on July 13. The event was provided by the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee and community sponsors as a way to thank military members and their families. There were lots of fun things to do and inflatables for the kids as well. WITH at BOOT BARN° America's Favorite Western and Work Wear Store KIM COOK U.S. Air Force Serving the military to show thanks BY MARY Lou CORNY Hilltop Times editor M ore than 3,000 military personnel and their families found picnic fare and fun at the Salute to our Nation's Defenders' Picnic at Centennial Park on July 13. The annual picnic is provided by the Top of Utah Military Affairs Committee (TOUMAC), a committee shared between the Davis Chamber of Commerce and the Ogden/ Weber Chamber of Commerce. The event receives strong financial support from key sponsors and the strong support of many volunteers. "I absolutely love this," said Brig. Gen. H. Brent Baker Sr., Ogden Air Logistics Complex commander, at the picnic. "This is one of the best things about command is to get to come out and spend time with the Airmen and their families. You just can't beat this and what the community has done is marvelous. I am very impressed. And it wasn't unexpected. Hill has always had a reputation for great community involvement — it's just a fulfillment of what I already knew." "It looks like we have a tremendous turn-out and the weather couldn't be more beautiful," said Tom Guinney, with Gastronomy Inc., a major sponsor and preparer of the meal. "It's another great, exciting event. It's terrific." As one of those involved in the creation of the project some 11 years ago, Guinney said these events have been an extraordinary journey. "It's been an interesting 11 years for all of us in the history of the country, hasn't it?" Davis County Commissioner Louenda Downs thanked him and said, "Who would have thought it would turn out this way? But for you to thank these people in this way, you've done an awful lot." Guinney characterized the event as something his employees enjoy. "It's just a hoot for our staff to come out and show their appreciation for the servicemen. I think you can see the smiles on their faces." Downs said that the annual event is a great way to show appreciation for the sacrifices of military members and their families. "Through the years it's been a good reminder of the family side of the sacrifice that's made to see the spouses, and the hundreds of children, actually thousands of children, that are part of the sacrifice that goes into defending our nation." As the band, Red Shot Pony, entertained the crowd, kids played on inflatables and colorful kites flew high above the crowd to the east. To complement the picnic fare, watermelon slices and strawberry short cake awaited attendees and refreshment stands were set up near the pavilion. Chief Master Sgt. Mark Batzer, 388th Fighter Wing command chief, said, "This is a great event for all Team Hill Airmen. It demonstrates the support that the local community provides for us which is so vitally important and shows their appreciation for the sacrifices we've all made. They've made a great afternoon for everyone with fantastic food, entertainment and games for the kids." Members of the community present included Layton Mayor Steve Curtis, cleaning cloth in hand sprucing up tables. Curtis explained, "The servicemen are my heroes. I really just appreciate them. That's why I am here." Get 4 VIP tickets for West Chute seats and the Hospitality Cabin FREE with a $300 purchase. (While supplies last. See store for details.) • $20 OFF regularly priced boots over $100 $5 OFF • shirts & jeans for the whole family SAVE ON BOOTS AND APPAREL FROM THE BEST BRANDS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY carhartt ' DAN POST BOOTS RESISTOL. Miss 9ite° See THANKS I page 5 IonfOr Ana RC OT, n Vote for Us for Northern Utah's Best Mexican NEE_ 71 EPE 4-huTilk.fflall nACEN M Ciff coin A * 5320 South Freeway Park Dr. LEr_inka 801-776-1903 10:$ Off 1-15 at 5600 South, near Guitar Center in Riverdale ' 13E110 u2,132] aelburritop I Not valid with I other offers. One I coupon per table I per visit. Expires I 7-31-12. 85 MANUEL'S for more discounts! Store Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-8pm Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 12pm-5pm Follow us on RESTAURANT & CANTINA I NOW OPEN IN RIVERDALE 1145 South State, Clearfield • 801-773-7579 Offers valid Now 4 7/24/12 I |