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Joint base welcomes 25K for Independence Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katherine Tereyama
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  More than 25,000 revelers braved threatening weather to enjoy food, fun and fireworks at this year's Independence Day Open House held July 4, 2014, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and were rewarded with mild weather and clear skies.

Doughboy Field swarmed with Fourth of July partygoers playing football, eating funnel cake and enjoying other traditional activities soon after the base's gates opened at 5 p.m., allowing local community members access to base for the celebration.

"The kids are really enjoying seeing the tanks, eating funnel cake and listening to the music," said Jason Milam, 305th Operation Support Squadron air traffic controller. "We're really glad the weather cleared up. It's a great day."

Attendees also got hands-on experience with military equipment, view static displays and explosives ordnance disposal gear.

The Department of Defense hosts open houses to enhance public awareness of the military's mission, equipment, facilities and personnel and to promote positive community relations.

Ted and Lisa Miller from Freehold, N.J. brought their 13-year-old son Daniel to get a first-hand look at the way military families celebrate our nation's independence.

"We bring the kids to celebrate the fourth with the people who make it possible," Ted Miller said.

"It's important for our kids to see this and know how important the military is," his wife agreed.