Six-year-old Keanu Ortiz practiced shooting a replica M-4 rifle with the help of Spc. Mark Reed of the 100th Battalion yesterday during Operation Ohana at Schofield Barracks.
Operation Family Fun
5,000 relatives of soldiers serving
in Iraq and Afghanistan attend
a picnic at Schofield
Six-year-old Jeremy Cruz shouted, "I'm the man!" as he beat his two older brothers climbing up the rock wall, one of the many activities at yesterday's Operation Ohana picnic for families of soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"It's nice that we have these events," said Jeremy's mother, Brandy Cruz, 29. "They had fun stuffing their face with ice cream all day. I'm sure they enjoyed it."
Jeremy, named after his father, who is stationed in Afghanistan for a year, waited for his brothers to climb down the wall before moving on to anything he wanted: jumping castles, laser guns or video games.
As part of Military Appreciation Month, 5,000 relatives of soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan attended the picnic at Schofield Barracks hosted by Gov. Linda Lingle and the Chamber of Commerce to showcase Hawaii's support for the troops.
Operation Ohana included activities for children; video footage and slide shows of soldiers overseas played on big-screen televisions; picture-taking with Lingle and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona; and food and drinks.
"We love it," Valerie Ortiz said. "Any functions they have, we're always there. Without the support of everyone else, it gets really hard."
With her husband, Sgt. Victor Ortiz, in Iraq for a year, Ortiz said her 6-year-old son, Keanu, serves as her support group
Theresa Ikeda, 63, with her son-in-law and grandson overseas, said families need events like Operation Ohana.
"I'm glad they can get out and mingle instead of staying home and moping or waiting for the phone to ring," she said. "Families are very supportive of one another."
Most of the food and activities were donated by organizations, said Lingle's senior communications adviser, Lenny Klompus. Other organizations donated time and help.
"Everybody just gave themselves to ensure the support of these families," he said. "It's truly amazing."
More than 170 volunteers came to help in yesterday's events.
"They are all volunteers. No one was assigned or told what to do," Lingle said. "Not only do we appreciate what they've done for us ... they've gone beyond all expectations."
Lingle said she conceived the idea in March when she saw a bumper sticker while driving and thought she should do something for the families with Memorial Day tomorrow.
She said that with the success of the first Operation Ohana, it's hard not to continue it in the future.
