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American flags were everywhere and for more than 14 hours Smith Barracks was transformed into little America.
“It was an absolute first-class event and good for all the people in our community; Soldiers, families and civilians,” said Lt. Col. Paul Pfahler, USAG Baumholder commander.
“It was the right thing to do and difficult at times, but it needed to feel like America here on Sunday, it needed to be like home ... and it was thanks to all of your efforts,” said Pfahler in a letter to garrison directors and personnel. “Anywhere can be a post, camp or station; it takes professionalism, passion and teamwork to move to the next level, to truly make a place feel like home. We did that this week, and I challenge you all to continue to strive for that each and every day. Absolute home run,” said Pfahler.
The day began at 8 a.m. with a four-man scramble golf tournament at Rolling Hills Golf Course and concluded with a gala fireworks display at about 10:45 p.m. The honor of throwing the switch to begin the fireworks display went to Pfc. James Robert Lee Goode, who was born on the Fourth of July. The 33-year-old member of the 92nd Military Police Company claims the El Paso/San Antonio area as his home.
The more than 14 hours of celebration were packed with something for young and old alike. There were free sports activities such as softball, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, dodgeball, water balloon toss, NFL punt, pass and kick competition and 100-meter races for tots to teenagers and beyond.
The aquatics center offered capture the jellyfish and capture the watermelon competition and a watermelon rodeo.
The watermelon eating and pie eating contests for children and adults drew a lively crowd in to the tent where spectators cheered their favorite overeater to victory.
The afternoon featured a frozen T-shirt contest, Baumholder’s got talent karaoke and a cover band that played until the fireworks display lit up the sky.
