Military and Public Service Day at the Fair
The 57th Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Brings Military and First Responder families together for a night of fun
Oct.18, 2018
Contact: Bryanna-Nicole Evans
(910)-495-3037
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATESBORO, Ga.—The Kiwanis International Club of Statesboro held a Military and Public Service Day at the 57th Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair in appreciation for active and retired military personnel and first responders.
Those who showed their military or service ID at the gate were allowed free entrance. The day allowed many families and friends to come together for an opportunity to catch up, enjoy fair food and ride rides.
Thomas Balenzuela, 21, an E-5 Aircrewman Avionics in the Navy, said the event was a nice break from the high-pressure work environment to catch up with friends.
“There’s a lot of stuff service members have to deal with on a daily just to do our jobs,” said Balenzuela.
As an Aircrewman Avionics, Balenzuela is responsible for fixing equipment on aircrafts during flights, distributing artillery if needed and the general upkeep of the crafts in the air.
“It’s nice to feel appreciated for serving our country and seeing that the public does recognize the service that we do,” said Balenzuela.
Erin Dillard, 37, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist veteran said the fair was a great way to spend time with her daughter Susan, three, and her fellow military friends.
“We’re like a family. It’s always good to see these guys,” said Dillard.
As an EOD- 89D Dillard spent her military career identifying, handling and diffusing explosives.
“I loved my job, but I also got pregnant when I was in,” said Dillard.
Having such a dangerous job as a soon to be mother caused Dillard to question her career. In 2016 she retired due to her pregnancy.
“My kid changed my life more than anything else,” said Dillard.
Long-time friend of Dillard, and military spouse Tama Lewis, 40, said the fair allowed her husband to spend quality time with their daughter.
“Every year he’s always been gone. This is his first year being here for Halloween, this is his first year being here for a fair,” said Lewis.
Lewis said having her husband Miles here to experience the fair first hand made the evening more memorable.
“There’s a lot of stuff service members have to deal with on a daily just to do our jobs,” said Balenzuela.
Leaving family for months at a time for tours overseas is just one of the hardships of the job according to Balenzuela.
“It’s not that we want to it’s just that we have to,” said Balenzuela, “It’s the only way that we can make sure to keep the country free.”