Family, friends make a splash during MSG Summer Bash

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Nicole Taylor
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  When nights slowly disappear and the sun shines for nearly 22 hours, Airmen and their families spend as much time outside enjoying their Alaskan summer as possible.

Airmen and families from the 354th Mission Support Group soaked up the sun June 5 at the MSG Summer Bash in the Chena Lake Recreation Area.

All six squadron commanders provided opening remarks as they presented Col. Larry Rice, the outgoing MSG commander.

"Regardless of having six squadrons and 1,400 Airmen, he made a point to be at every event in person," said Maj. Mickey Jordan, the 354th Communications Squadron commander. "He empowered us and gave Airman room to run with ideas. His energy, heart and time put into running this group helped us move boulders."

Rice, who served as the MSG commander for two years, thanked the Airmen within his group for their diligence during his time as the group commander.

"I've been blessed to have six of the best squadron commanders I could work with and never forget the success of this group is based on the hard-working Airmen," said Rice. "I got out and saw the work being done, but the folks who were actually working out there in twenty or thirty below wasn't me, that was you."

Children squealed with joy during a water balloon fight, while squadron chiefs and commanders tried to stay dry during their time in the dunk tank. Attendees then grouped together to cheer on their respective squadron during the Cardboard Boat Regatta, which was an unsuccessful event for one team during the race.

"We tried to build the best boat out of cardboard and duct tape, but unfortunately we made it about two feet into the water and sank," said 1st Lt. Shane Perry, the 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron materiel management flight commander. "We fought until the end hoping we still had a chance, but even though we were losers it was a blast being out here."

To see a video of the event, click here.