Fireworks and fortitude: Patriotism sparkles at Sheppard Freedom Fest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  In a fiery display of festivity, Sheppard hosted Freedom Fest July 4th, 2014 and more importantly, motivated consumers and volunteers ready to enjoy the entertainment.

Freedom Fest, hosted every Fourth of July by the surrounding city of Wichita Falls and Sheppard on alternating years, invites citizens out to enjoy fun-filled music shows, food and the holiday's trademark fireworks.

Airman 1st Class Braxton Swafford, 82nd Medical Group records specialist, reflected upon the festivities as a way to honor those who came before him.

"This reminds me of people who fought and died for this country and of the great things I can do here," he said.

As crowds of people flocked to the grass, the sound of stage music rang out across the area as the smell of grilled food wafted through the air.

"It represents the nation's independence, the freedom to be Americans together all under one flag," said Master Sgt. John Barr, 372nd Training Squadron operations flight chief.

Activities ranging from rock-climbing to bounce houses welcomed participants as they waited with bated breaths for fireworks to light up the night sky.

For many, the entertainment was a well-needed morale boost and rest from the daily grind of the work week. This was especially true for Senior Airman Pauline Cardenas, 82nd Comptroller Squadron accounting technician.

"There's too many bad things that go on in the world," she said. "If you are able to help one person, then that person makes a difference for another person."

For Cardenas, the holiday gives her a sense of purpose and belonging.

"It gives me a sense of accomplishment I can't get from anything else...it gives a sense of not being helpless," she said.

As the sun went down and gave way to the night, many who attended looked forward to the Texas sky being illuminated up by a main attraction that represented patriotism and a sense of pride.