Thunderbolts volunteer for Litchfield Elementary field day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James Hensley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke Air Force Base Airmen went to Litchfield Elementary School to help support the school's field day March 6.

Twenty five Thunderbolts volunteered for the annual event to run activity stations and interact with the students.

"I think it's pretty cool whenever we can give back to the community," said Tech. Sgt. Douglas Schmidt, 56th Contracting Squadron Plans Programs Flight NCO in charge. "It also gives us a chance to teach the kids a thing or two."

The Airmen ran several stations including tug-of-war, tag, 30-yard and 50-yard dashes, Frisbee golf, and more. The activities were divided into two groups: kindergarten through first grade and second grade through fifth grade. The students talked with the Airmen at each station.

Schmidt helped with the soccer ball partner walk station in which two people partnered up and attempted to carry a ball without using arms and hands.

"I think it was really good that the military came out for field day," said Kira Custer, 11, Litchfield Elementary student. "It's been a lot of fun."

The event was a huge success for both Luke Airmen and Litchfield Elementary students. The school staff agreed they hope this will not be their last interaction with Luke Airmen.

"We always want to have that partnership with the base," said MaryAnn Hartwick, school principal. "With everyone coming from a different place, having that sense of community really helps."