Arctic Warrior Day fun for the family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  To kick off Arctic Warrior Day 2009, Col. Thomas Bergeson, 3rd Wing commander, gave an outbrief speech for the Operational Readiness Inspection here June 12. After listing the ups and downs of the ORI, he went on to reveal the 3rd Wing received an 'excellent' rating. With that said, he officially kicked off AWD. 

In 1982, Elmendorf Air Force Base initiated "Airman Day" to promote camaraderie and good health. "Airman Day" continued until 1986, when it changed to Elmendorf Field Day. "Arctic Warrior Day" began in 1989 and has been held annually ever since. 

Countless events took place throughout the day from softball, archery, canoeing, biking, and much more. However, at the end of the day, the 517th Airlift Squadron walked away on top for the second consecutive year, by doing extremely well in multiple events. 

The military appreciation picnic, put on by the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, was held for more than 10 consecutive years now. 

Sami Glascott, ACC president, said that throughout the year the ACC has held several funding opportunities to raise money to host the picnic for military members and their families. She explained the biggest one, a bowl-a-thon, is usually held in February of every year. Glascott said the main reason for doing these fundraisers and putting on this picnic is because they want to support the largest employer in Alaska, the U.S. Military. 

"(We) want to say thanks to the people in uniform," said Phil Okeson, chairman of the board of directors, as he flipped burgers. 

Okeson said he's been helping out with ACC for the past seven years and has volunteered with this event in most of those years. Okeson volunteered to help cook the food this year and said he just wanted everybody there to feel welcomed and part of the community. 

It seemed though many did feel quite welcomed and relaxed. Master Sgt. Michael Mooney, 3rd Operations Support Squadron, said it was nice to be released from months of temporary duty assignments and exercises to be able to take a day and relax. 

Arctic Warrior Day has been a part of Elmendorf for the past 27 years now, and it's still a day servicemembers and their families can look forward to.