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Team Andersen gets jump start on Independence Day

  • Published
  • By Airman Whitney Amstutz
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Team Andersen kicked off the four-day weekend with the annual Freedom Fest celebration July 2 at Arc Light Memorial Park here.

The event, hosted by members of the 36th Force Support Squadron, featured food, beverages, a live band, horseback riding and a multitude of booths for patrons to explore.

Hundreds of residents came out to celebrate our nation's independence and take advantage of the opportunity to socialize with friends and neighbors.

Liz Thomas, one of the many dependents who participated in the festivities, believes that events like the Freedom Fest allow servicemembers and their families to have a little piece of home right here on Guam.

"The live music allows the kids to be as noisy as they want," Mrs. Thomas said. "There's food and drinks and it kind of feels like home."

Throughout the night, attendees had the opportunity to participate in several raffles featuring many prizes. The grand prize this year, provided by Continental Airlines, included round-trip airfare for two to Hong Kong.

In between playing games, as well as their luck, residents had the opportunity to browse the many booths set up, and manned by members of Team Andersen.

Airman 1st Class, Anthony D. Tucker, a financial services technician with the 36th Comptroller Squadron, feels that it is very rewarding to not only attend, but be involved in an event such as the Freedom Fest.

"It is fun working and hanging out with everyone from the base in a stress-free atmosphere," Airman 1st Class Tucker said. "It is important to give back and it's good to make others happy when you can."

The annual Freedom Fest is an excellent way to not only celebrate the first day in the history of our great nation, but also to be reminded of what we are here for. As servicemembers, July 4th is a time to pay homage to the country that has given us so much, and the cause that we defend tirelessly. It can be spent in no better way than among those who feel the same way about the red, white and blue.