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Puerto Rico National Guard celebrates 2nd Artisanal and Agricultural Fair

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marizol Ruiz
  • 156th Airlift Wing
SALINAS, Puerto Rico --  Puerto Rico National Guard celebrated the 2nd Artisanal and Agricultural Fair at Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver Training Center on Nov. 7 and 8.

Sponsored by the Puerto Rico National Guard's Sgt. Majors and Chief's Association, artisanal and agricultural kiosks and a Barbeque Challenge competition covered the grounds, as cultural island music resonated from the main stage on the big lawn.

Even though the rain and thunder degraded the weekend activities, the spirits still remained high as community and volunteer army, air and state service members integrated into the cultural event.

A jovial harmony set the stage where children played and laughed, and where family members took the opportunity to see and buy Artisanal products right before the approaching holiday season.

Sponsors from the Department of Agriculture exhibited live plants and animals, and provided vegetation and farming information.

Natural food and beverage companies served island grown fruit and natural juice beverages.

"It is important for the PRNG to let the community know that the Guard is present here to support them," said Capt. Edwin Nieves, Public Affairs Officer for the Joint Forces Headquarters, PRNG.

"This activity opens up Camp Santiago to the general public and allows them to come and see our facilities," said Nieves. "At the same time they can take advantage and purchase over 350 Artisan's and artist's best materials and products.

Right before the kick-off of the fair, major efforts between the army and air logistics, and force volunteers took preparation before the weekend.

"We have been here since Wednesday, said Chief Master Sgt. Neil Larregui, Forces Support Squadron superintendent, 156th Airlift Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard. "We have airmen from the Wing Operations, the Maintenance Group, Security Forces, Civil Engineering, and Air and Army Medical personnel."

"It has been a huge effort for us and the army Sgt. Majors in reaching the goal of having everything ready," said Larregui. "But thank God we managed to pop up the tents and transport everything here safely on time.

"I have 18 airmen on volunteer and annual training status, to include support personnel from the state guard," said Civil Engineering Manager Chief Master Sgt. Serra. "We worked the logistics side of the house since Tuesday, and during the event we have rotational shifts with Wing Staff running the 156th Airlift Wing kiosk.

"Not only are we present for the community, but this has been a great training opportunity for my guys to get the actual hands on of setting up generators, transporting equipment, and popping up tents for the Chiefs and Sgt. Majors, and any contractors who needed our assistance," said Serra. "The 141ST Air Control Squadron also arrived on Wednesday to help set up and power up the medical tents.

According to the Chief Council members, the monies collected from the sale of food will go straight to the Chief Council pot for the purpose of helping any Airman who is in need.

Puerto Rico National Guard continues to give back to the community by bringing families together to enjoy, learn and share with service members a true awareness of island cultural heritage.