NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. –
On August 15, the Defense Distribution Center, Susquehanna installation hosted its Centennial Summerfest and Organizational Day celebration for employees, families and friends of the installation.
During the opening ceremonies, installation commander and commanding officer of DLA Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, Army Col. March Callis addressed the crowd, comprised of DoD civilian and military employees and their families, saying “It’s truly amazing the amount of pride you all have and I’m humbled by the commitment you demonstrate every single day in providing such fantastic support to the warfighter. So, let’s celebrate our impressive lineage, and let’s commit to making the next 100 years even better.”
The event, commemorating the installation’s Centennial anniversary, featured an aerial show from the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights are one of only three Department of Defense-sanctioned aerial demonstration teams, along with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
With faces pointed to the sky, many in the crowd appeared mesmerized by the team’s performance, comprised of coordinated freefalls at speeds in excess of 120 mph, smoke and parachute passes, including DLA Distribution employee and former Army paratrooper Darryl Roberts. “The show was awesome, but the interaction with the guys afterward was the best part.”
After landing, the team enlisted the help of the event’s younger attendees to help repack parachutes while chatting with eventgoers about the Golden Knights practice and performance schedules.
Following the performance, Dance Spectacular Productions’ Chicago Honey Bear Dancers sang and danced with the installation’s Child and Youth Program participants.
Other highlights from the day included commemorative mugs sales, displaying the installation’s Centennial logo, as well as merchandise and food sales, music and entertainment, military static displays, bounce houses, outdoor games, prizes and giveaways.
A Car and Bike Show featured vehicles in the following categories: Motorcycles; Trucks; Antique (prior 1960); Muscle (1960-1980); Classic (1950-1980); and Modern Muscle (1980+), with patrons invited to vote on their favorite vehicle.
Trophies (locally constructed and made out of spare car parts) were awarded to first and second place in each category, while a special Commander's Choice Award was presented to the Commander's top pick.
The event was part of a yearlong effort to recognize the installation’s 100 year legacy of warfighter support.