Airmen, Portuguese citizens celebrates July 4 picnic together at Lajes

Published July 8, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Olufemi Owolabi
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Airmen of the 65th Air Base Wing spent about eight hours with their host-nation's partners having fun at the Independence Day picnic July 4.

The event, called Freedom Fest 2011, was organized by the 65th Force Support Squadron and had various entertainment, including games and bouncy castles, food booths, a local live band to "rock" the entire day and a fireworks display to end the night.

"Independence Day is important because 235 years ago, our founding fathers in America fought for our freedom," said Chief Master Sgt. Curtis Storms, 65th Air Base Wing command chief. "So, it's very important we celebrate that, because it is something that other countries are still fighting for today."

Lt. Col. Charles Tobia, 65th Air Base Wing Political Affairs, who was deployed last year, said it was an event that allowed Team Lajes to spend quality time with their loved ones on such a special day.

"This celebration was very special because I was able to spend Fourth of July with my family and see in their eyes the wonder and excitement of the fireworks," said Tobia. "In other places in the world, they don't have the freedoms we have. And I know the sacrifices that a lot of people, including ourselves and our families, make day in and day out so that we can enjoy freedom and the American dream."

Storms, who was also deployed this time last year, echoed the colonel's statement. The chief said the event gave him an appreciation for those family members celebrating this year's event without their deployed spouses.

"It is so important we do not take for granted the freedoms and liberties we have, and we should celebrate them," Storms said. "And remember they were fought for."

Storms added that it was even more fun celebrating these values with our host nation's partners.

"Many of the Portuguese that we had at the celebration are dual citizens," the chief said.

"We share some beliefs and values, and it is so important that we were able to show them some of our celebrations, beliefs and values," Storms said. "I believe they had a great time with us out there."