TAMPA, Fla. (October 26, 2015) — Music and laughter filled the air Oct. 26 during the U.S. Central
Command Annual Family Picnic at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
The annual event provides CENTCOM personnel and their
families the opportunity to come out and enjoy food, family games, raffles, fun,
and prizes.
“The purpose of the annual picnic is to thank all assigned
to CENTCOM and their families for their dedicated support and commitment to
the mission,” said Air Force Master Sgt. John Verrecchio, an NCOIC in the USCENTCOM
Intelligence Directorate and Vice President of the CENTCOM Family Activities Association (CFAA).“Our organization is dedicated to supporting
over 3.7k command members plus their families.”
The CFAA is a non-profit organization, dedicated to
planning and holding of the annual picnic, with the support and commitment of more than
100 volunteers and about 50 sponsors from the surrounding communities.
Community organizations were key to making the CENTCOM
picnic a reality for the estimated 2,800 people who attended.
“The community, by definition, cannot
succeed without each other, and this is very true of the Tampa Bay community and
MacDill Air Force Base. It's very similar to our own families, and we rely on
each other in multiple ways,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Eric
Foreman, CENTCOM Intelligence Directorate Senior Enlisted Leader. “The Tampa community is relentless in their
support for the people and professionals of MacDill Air Force Base and the
United States Central Command. We could not succeed in hosting this celebration
without the love and support of the Tampa Bay community.”
Thirteen food trucks from the Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally
provided a variety of delicious options for picnic goers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning
arranged a hockey play area for the kids. Meanwhile, D.J. Jake Dela Cruz, 14 year-old Tampa native, played a
variety of music for the families to enjoy.
“We are excited to be able to participate in this year’s
family picnic as a sponsor and by providing volunteers, so that in a small way
we can give back,” said Kelly Flannery, South Tampa Chamber of Commerce
president.
“The South Tampa Chamber is proud of our relationship
with CENTCOM,” Flannery said. “We feel
it is important for those serving and their families to know they are supported
and valued by our community both on and off base.”
“All of the
support we have received is something that makes this place truly special,”
said Vice Admiral Mark Fox, USCENTCOM Deputy Commander. He gave many thanks to those sponsoring the
event, reminding everyone of the strong relationship between the community and
MacDill Air Force Base.
Editor’s Note: To find out more about the CFAA, visit http://cfaatampa.wix.com/cfaa.