42nd FSS hosts Armed Forces Day Published May 24, 2012 By Christopher Kratzer Air University Public Affairs LAKE MARTIN, Ala. -- Airmen and their families flocked to sunny Lake Martin to enjoy food, games and relaxation for Armed Forces Day Saturday, thanks to the 42nd Force Support Squadron. "We wanted to bring folks up here who have never been here before so we can show them all we have to offer," said Jeff Rice, the outdoor recreation director. "We wanted Airmen to come up here to see their park and what it's all about." There were events for the whole family, including balloon toss, sandcastle building competitions, kayak races, Karaoke, pontoon boat rides and relay races. Landon Perdue, who won the sand castle competition, said he had a blast at the event. He also encouraged any budding sand artists that wanted to follow in his footsteps to "be creative." A little more than a year ago, devastating storms ripped across the state, destroying much of the Lake Martin recreation center. Fast forward to now, and the park is hosting its first event after rebuilding from the storms. "It's great to see the park open back up," Rice said. "The storm really set us back, but now we are back up and running and our reservations are strong." Col. Brian Killough, the 42nd Air Base Wing commander, said he was glad to see things up and running after the damage that was done last year. "We could have just said, 'recover what's left,' but instead we are working to build things back up better than they were before the tornadoes hit," he said. Events like these are key to the squadron's initiative to get people out doors. Rice said he hopes more families will take advantage of everything FSS has to offer. "We want to present quality programs for our Airmen and their families," he said. "We want to see our families out doors to get that release from work. That's our job." Killough echoed those thoughts and the importance of quality programming for Airmen. "It's a great opportunity to get together as an Air Force family," he said. "We all work hard together, so let's all play hard together."