Military families rock day away at Fort Cavazos

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - Thousands of Soldiers and family members gathered at Phantom Warrior Stadium for the "Military Family Fest: Rock for the Brave" event Sept. 24 at Fort Cavazos.

The event, made possible by Fort Cavazos; Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Defense Commissary Agency; Army and Air Force Exchange Service; Procter and Gamble and partners, was a celebration of Soldiers and their families.

"It's a culmination of about 18 months of work … to put on what I consider to be an iconic show of support to military families," said Marc Knowles, global military team leader for Procter and Gamble. "I learned a long time ago that it's critically important for the community surrounding the military community to support them (the military)."

Attendees participated in many activities, including rock climbing, ladder ball, cornhole and face painting while event volunteers showered them with free items provided by sponsors. Attendees were able to choose from a plethora of food trucks, as well as watch a BMX show, a dog show, a magic show by illusionist Kid Ace and a stand-up comedy performance by Adam Yenser. Rob Gronkowski, Chip Gaines, Duff Goldman and Cowboy Cerone also made appearances to meet and speak with Soldiers and their families.

Riley Berens, 12, niece of 1st Lt. Russell Shirley-Jones, III Armored Corps Public Affairs, said she was ecstatic about the range of activities.

"There's a ton of fun games and activities to do, and it's really fun to go out and have a good time with your family," she said.

Berens also expressed pride in her uncle.

"I know that my uncle is amazing, and he's brave to be in the military, fighting for our country," she shared. "It's amazing, and I'm really proud to call him my uncle."

Amber Pafford, marketing and advertising manager for DFMWR, said it was heartwarming to see families having fun together during the event.

"It highlighted the sense of community and support that exists among military families at Fort Cavazos," she said. "The laughter, joy and shared experiences created a vibrant atmosphere, reminding everyone of the strength that comes from these connections."

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Martinez, AAFES headquarters senior enlisted advisor, said events like "Rock for the Brave" take care of military families, which aligns with AAFES' purpose.

"Events like this show appreciation," he said. "(AAFES) being here shows that we appreciate our customers, our stakeholders, the people that rely on us to be able to generate funds to be able to provide for MWR programs. To have a free event like this where people can … feel appreciated is awesome."

He stressed the partnership between the event sponsors is a crucial element of keeping military communities together.

"I tell folks, 'We recruit an individual, but we retain families,'" he said. "We retain families based on the benefits that we provide. Having a great Exchange, having a great MWR program, having a great CDC (child development center) - those are all things that when we partner and do it right, the families want to stay a part of our community."

The festivities concluded with a performance by country artist Cole Swindell on the main stage, after a few words from Lance Pooler, deputy director for DFMWR, and Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos commander.

"(On behalf of sponsors and organizers) I want to thank you for all you do for our country every single day," Pooler said to the crowd gathered at the main stage. "The sacrifices that you and your families make are noted right here."

Admiral echoed Pooler's sentiments as he addressed the audience.

"I hope you enjoy tonight," he began. "Command Sgt. Maj. (John) McDwyer (III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos command sergeant major) and I really appreciate all the work that our Soldiers and civilians do here as a part of III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos."

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