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Easter Egg Roll White House

Jason and Mya Jeffries, children of Master Sgt. Donna Jeffries, 514th AMW public affairs stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, learn the "Peace Out" song at the "Hop To It" station during their two-hour visit at the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll April 5. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst dependents were two of 50 JB MDL members to participate in the event attended by 30,000 people. (Courtesy photo)

Easter Egg Roll White House

Master Sgt. Jeff Eastep, AMC Testing and Evaluation Squadron, stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, poses with daughter Alexa, 10, in front of the White House April 5. Eastep was one of 50 JB MDL members to participate in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Every child received a wooden egg signed by the President and First Lady as a keepsake. (Courtesy photo)

Easter Egg Roll White House

Ava, 2, daughter of JB MDL Master Sgt. Bernie Von Dauber, 305th AMW Wing Plans, focuses intently not to let the Easter egg fall of her spoon on the South Lawn of the White House April 5. Fifty members of JB MDL joined the festivities at the White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington. (Courtesy photo)

JB MDL celebrates holiday at White House

Published April 12, 2010
By Master Sgt. Donna T. Jeffries
514th Air Mobility Wing

WASHINGTON -- Fifty Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst members joined close to 30,000 Americans April 5 on the South Lawn of the White House for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

A tradition dating back to 1861, the Easter Egg Roll gives children the opportunity to visit their Nation's Capitol for a day of fun and play. What began on the hills of the Capitol building has grown to become an event hosted by the President on the grounds of his home. This year's theme of "Ready, Set, Go!" was designed to encourage everyone to begin leading a more healthy and active lifestyle.

"Today, the lawn has been transformed into a playground for thousands of children and can truly be called "America's Backyard," wrote first lady, Michele Obama in the event program. Stations included the Rock 'n' Roll and Storytime Stages, Sports and Fitness Zones and Play with Your Food.

Attendees participated in everything from classic Easter games such as the egg roll, egg hunt and egg coloring to making arts and crafts in the Eggspress Yourself area. The children also learned dance moves and tested their hoola hoop skills in the Hop to It section.

"The highlight of our day was being only a few feet from the White House," said JB MDL member, Master Sgt. Jeffrey Eastep, Air Mobility Command, Testing and Evaluation Squadron. "My daughter really enjoyed the NFL Challenge event. It was truly a memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Every child received a wooden egg signed by the President and the first lady as a keepsake.