More than 200 people attended the second annual “Summer Individual Augmentee Family Festival” hosted by the Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) individual augmentee (IA) and global war or terrorism (GWOT) support assignment (GSA) family support group at Silverdale’s Faith Fellowship Church June 27.

The free event was sponsored by a non-profit organization called “Freedom Alliance” and was open to all personnel and families of personnel, who already served, are currently serving or have returned from an IA assignment.

“This festival is really great place for IA Sailors and their loved ones to get support from the local community, gain valuable knowledge about IA support programs,” said retired Chief Electronics Technician John Graham, event organizer. “I served as an IA volunteer myself and was deployed to Iraq before I retired, and my wife had very little support at the time.”

“When I returned we decided to create this group in hopes of offering a positive community support structure for IA service members and their families,” added Graham.

Volunteers from Faith Fellowship Church, Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor and local businesses orchestrated the event offering a variety of informative and interactive booths.

“This event today is a way to say thank you to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and show support for their families who’ve sacrificed so much and asked for so little,” said Rebecca Graham, event coordinator.

Patrons were treated to a day filled with live entertainment, games and a free barbecue lunch.

For Lance Cpl. Christlyn Bellivan, assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, volunteering was a way to show support for IAs and their families.

“For me personally it is such a great honor and privilege to be here and serve in any capacity for my fellow service members who have been tasked with the most difficult of duties,” said Bellivan. “Family separation is difficult for those who have to leave them behind, and we are here to support them.”

For Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class (SS) Jason Moody, Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor, the event boosted morale for service members and their families.

“When I was deployed to Iraq last year my family attended the first summer festival, and my wife gained a lot of valuable information about the IA family support group,” said Moody. “I am glad I get to be here this year, and it’s great to feel appreciated by the community.”

The IA/GSA support group meets every second Saturday at the NBK Bremerton Recreation Center.