Family Appreciation Day means free food, entertainment Published June 17, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Whitley Church and The Bridge, along with 4th Fighter Wing Chapel are hosting a day of free family entertainment to show their appreciation to the Seymour Johnson community from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 19 at Debden Park. "Come out and enjoy free food, wonderful entertainment and great activities for the whole family," said Patricia Miller, 4th Force Support Squadron secretary. The church ministry team contacted the base chapel with the idea of coordinating a Family Appreciation Day to express their thanks to those who serve their country. "They offered to provide the entertainment and refreshments free to the base population as a means of expressing their gratitude," said Chaplain (Capt.) John Von Almen, 4th Fighter Wing senior Protestant chaplain. The event will include bouncy castles, disc golf, volleyball games and rock climbing walls, there will also be funnel cakes, hot dogs, chips and drinks. "Having recently deployed myself, I'm looking forward to the time with my family," Chaplain Von Almen said. "This will be a great time for families to relax, enjoy the various entertainments, have fun together and most importantly, spend some quality time together." Coordinating the event took many months of planning, but the church was able to schedule several contemporary Christian artists to perform throughout the day including The Bridge Band and DJ Coles. In addition, ventriloquist and impersonator, Freddie Pierce and the Elevate Student Ministries Drama Team will provide entertainment during the event. "With our church doing so many outreach programs we have made very strong relationships with singers and bands throughout North Carolina," said Jimmy Bryant, Whitley Church and The Bridge outreach and children's pastor. "This event is designed for good food, good fellowship, games, amusement, great music (and as) a time to relax for singles and for the entire family." Pastor Bryant wants the base community to know that despite being hosted by a church this event is not an attempt to lure people through the church's doors. "This 4th FW Family Appreciation Day is just our way of letting (those at) Seymour Johnson know someone cares and loves them and anything we can do to serve you better is our purpose," he said. "The Airmen of Seymour Johnson, along with their families and the back-up support that goes along with base operations serve our country proudly; our cause is very simple, we just want to say 'thank you' for all you do for our great nation." For more information about the event, call 722-0315.