POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- This year's Family Fun Day, held June 18 at Woodland Park, provided Airmen and their families a chance to get out of the office and relax as they enjoyed various sports competitions, free food and a lip sync contest. Airmen and families from across Team Pope came out to celebrate the kick-off of summer as they enjoyed the chance for camaraderie and team pride by competing against other squadrons to obtain bragging rights. 

All the typical summer sports were played, to include sand volleyball, softball, basketball, a two-mile four-man relay and, to top it off, a tug-of-war competition. Competition was fierce during these events and each team had its own idea of who performed best. In the end, the 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron placed first in sand volleyball, tug-of-war and the lip sync competition for their rendition of Beyonce's "Single Ladies." It was members of the 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, however, who prevailed taking home the gold as the overall Sports Day winners in the two-mile four-person relay, three-on-three basketball for teams one and two and the one-pitch softball game. Of course, the day wasn't just about sports; it was also about getting out of the office and enjoying time with friends and family. 

"Most people have been out here all day," said Airman 1st Class Sagan Barber, 43rd Medical Support Squadron. "It's fun just to see everyone with their hair down outside the work environment." 

A tent provided shade for many activities for families to enjoy. Joy the Clown painted faces, the Health and Wellness Center handed out coloring books promoting fitness and nutrition for children and arts and crafts were available at a near booth. The tent allowed families to enjoy Pope's array of services while staying cool in the North Carolina heat.
The picnic was complete with the number one ingredient--food. And there was a lot of it. 

Not only did the Chief's Group serve two kinds of chicken, beans, coleslaw and watermelon, but also available were ice cream, funnel cake and energy drinks. Needless to say, Team Pope members said they left satisfied and happy with their bellies full and hearts light. 

None of this would be possible without the help of Pope Airmen volunteers. "There was a good mix of everyone," said Al Davis, event volunteer coordinator. With more than six total hours of set-up and close-down time, he said that volunteers helped with everything from setting up games and slides to monitoring events and refilling the ice buckets. 

All in all, the day was set to kick off the summer and proved that Pope's members know how to let their hair down and have fun.