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News | June 21, 2019

Annual event focuses on families and fun

By Dianne Ryder DLA Public Affairs

The theme for the 2019 McNamara Headquarters 21st Family Day, “Believe in us – Family Strong!” was reinforced June 20 during the annual event providing a fun atmosphere for HQC employees to connect with family members as well as their guests and colleagues.

Leading the audience to come together to shout, “Family strong!” Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams welcomed guests on behalf of leaders from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency and the Defense Technical Information Center. Williams called forward children ages 7 and under and encouraged the audience’s applause for them, adding that they are what the event is all about.

The general said at the inception of the event Family Day drew only about 2,000 people, but 8,000 is now the norm.

Williams presented the McNamara sports and fitness cup, created to help foster a robust sports and recreation program, and to build esprit de corps among the HQC tenant organizations. For the second year in a row, DLA secured the prize.

The general thanked the event sponsors and volunteers from all HQC organizations who handed out schedules, answered questions and pointed visitors toward food vendors and entertainment venues.

Despite the many outdoor activities for adults and children, including pony rides, games, rock-climbing, karaoke and basketball, many attendees sought a respite from the heat in the McNamara Auditorium for the “HQC Got Talent” show and to watch movies.

Talent show winners are:

  • First place: Sabrina and Kenneth Morris, Kenneth is from DLA Information Operations
  • Second place: Alex Cano, DLA Energy
  • Third place: Valerie Nibblins, DLA Joint Contingency Acquisition Support Office

Human Resources Specialist Bryant Dunston from DLA Human Resources has been attending the Family Day event for 15 years. He said he enjoys meeting his colleagues’ families.

“You get an opportunity to see some of your co-workers outside of a suit and tie,” he said. “You see more of their character — on the dance floor and at karaoke, out playing games — you see another side to them.”

Dunston said he appreciated the caricature artists and the corn hole game most of all. He also brought his two godsons, ages 2 and 4, who enjoyed the moon bounce and the food.

“They always gravitate toward the pony rides and the fire truck,” he said. “It’s a great event!”

For more photos from Family Day, please see the Family Day gallery. This link is only accessible using a DLA employee Common Access Card certificate.