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Global Strike families celebrate Command's first anniversary

  • Published
  • Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE --  Hundreds of Air Force Global Strike Command headquarters staff and their families took the time Aug. 13 to celebrate the first anniversary of the Command's activation.

To mark the occasion, headquarters staff and families participated in a fun run, a golf tournament, bowling, dodge-ball, a basketball skills competition and a picnic at Barksdale's Hoban Hall.

"Today is our day. Enjoy it," said Command Chief Master Sergeant Jack Johnson as he thanked all the members of the headquarters and their families for attending the picnic.

Mr. Stewart Greathouse, Operations Research Analyst with AFGSC A-9, and his wife, Joan, attended the picnic with their two children, Weien, 4, and Charlotte, 10 months.

"The cool thing about this was that it was family-oriented, team-building exercise," said Mr. Greathouse. "Beyond that, a lot of folks wanted to bring their families in because mom or dad have been working really hard for the past year at AFGSC, and this was an opportunity for them to enjoy the fruits of their labors."

Mrs. Greathouse said she enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of her husband's co-workers for the first time and spend time with their families.

"I got to see all his bosses, and his colleagues - it was good to meet all these people and put faces to the names, and the kids really enjoyed all of the activities," Mrs. Greathouse said. "There's so much work to be done [at the Command] that there aren't many family events, so this was really great."

The first-ever Commander's trophy for most-spirited directorate was presented on stage in front of a cheering crowd by the commander, who also presented homemade prizes to the top finishers in each of the morning's athletic activities.

"It seems hard to believe that just over a year ago the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Schwartz, officially activated this Command right here in Hoban Hall," said Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. "We have had many accomplishments and many firsts over the last year, and you should be very proud of what you have done so far."

"This anniversary celebration is for you, but most importantly, it is for the family members," General Klotz added. "The overwhelming success of the stand-up of Air Force Global Strike Command is directly due to the hard work of the members of our team and the amazing support of their families."

The Air Force Band of the West's ensemble "Top Flight," from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, provided the musical setting of popular music and classic rock.

The command was activated Aug. 7, 2009, when it became responsible for organizing, training and equipping two-thirds of the Nation's nuclear arsenal.

To see more photos of the Anniversary Celebration, click HERE.