AFAD's success due to widespread community support

Friday, August 27, 2010

by Brian S. Orban

It involves hundreds of volunteers, thousands of dollars in donations and the unwavering support of the local community to bring Air Force Appreciation Day together each September.

Impossible to organize? Nope.

It's a piece of cake. Just ask people like Randy Valley.

"I'd never seen any place in my career" that even comes close to what Mountain Home offers to those in uniform, the retired Air Force chief master sergeant said.

Over the past 12 years, Valley saw firsthand how the local community and nearby base extend offers of support to make the celebration of the military run smoothly. Whether it's asking for help printing up advertising posters and raffle tickets or requesting prizes for the yearly raffle drawing, the local community always responds with a resounding "yes."

"It's by far the easiest," he added, regarding people's willingness to help. "I've actually had people call me each year saying, 'We want to help with AFAD'."

For the full story, pick up a copy of the Mountain Home News or click on this link to subscribe to the newspaper's online edition.

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what day in sept is this years airforce apprecition day?

-- Posted by nickohare83 on Sun, Aug 29, 2010, at 7:57 PM

Response by Brenda Fincher:
Saturday - September 11th, 2010
The Corn Shucking and Fun Run/Walk activities begin at 6pm on Friday, September 10, 2010 with the full day of activities taking place on Saturday, September 11, 2010. We hope that all will participate and have a great time.

Best wishes,

-- Posted by Albert Clement on Mon, Aug 30, 2010, at 12:06 PM
Once again the AFAD will be swamped by out of towners, this day is fast losing it's original plan.To honor military. Last year I was stunned at how many entries did not represent the military in any way. they did not fly a flag, or have a military theme, The organizers should check who they allow to be part of this parade. make it really military! Most of them just come for the FREE food. check back to the 1970's and see what it was really like. I'll be going to the Art in the Park.

-- Posted by Stinger on Wed, Sep 1, 2010, at 3:12 PM
Will there be free wine and beer on Friday night, as there has been for many of the years.

-- Posted by maybeso on Tue, Sep 7, 2010, at 7:50 PM

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