U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) recognized and showed appreciation for deployed families in Bahrain during Kid's Day at the Freedom Souq on Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 24.

With approximately 4,500 military servicemembers stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain serving a wide range of mission sets around the region, command-sponsored events including Kid's Day allow time for families to connect with friends and the community in a safe and facilitated play time.

"Our event was primarily intended to recognize the sacrifices that military dependent children make in support of their families while deployed to Bahrain," said Cryptologic Technician (Collections) 1st Class Matthew Moser, assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and one of the organizers of the event.

While U.S. Naval Forces Central Command First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) coordinated this year's Kid's Day, command groups such as the FCPOA, and Moral, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) often coordinate events on base to celebrate military families throughout the year.

"As a parent, I find it reassuring when an event like this is hosted by the command, or associations within, for our kids to enjoy," said Cryptologic Technician (Collections) 1st Class Sara Casado, assigned to NAVCENT and mother of two. "We know that military children face many challenges; these events recognize and show appreciation for our military children."

Kid's Day was attended by 163 children, 73 parents and 37 volunteers from around base. The event included bounce houses, arts and crafts, movies and food.

"Thank you so much to NAVCENT's First Class Petty Officer Association for putting together this event," said Julie Shourds-Chernitzer, the COMUSNAVCENT Ombudsman, NSA Bahrain Ombudsman Assembly Chair, and mother of two. "The kids got a chance to run around, play with their friends and just have fun. The timing couldn't have been better with it being so hot outside."

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