Easter at the White House

Brent Bassham, of the Armament Directorate and Navy reserve, poses with his daughter, Abigail, outside the White House lawn during the annual Easter celebration and egg roll. The First Family hosted 30,000 people from all 50 states in their backyard for the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll and once again Eglin was on their invite list. (Courtesy photo)

Eglin families attend 'Easter Egg Roll' at White House

Published May 2, 2011
By Chrissy Cuttita
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A few Team Eglin families travelled to the nation's capitol for Easter weekend with an added treat in their baskets; tickets for their children to roll eggs on the White House lawn April 25.

The First Family hosted 30,000 people from all 50 states in their backyard for the 133rd White House Easter Egg Roll and once again Eglin was on their invite list.

Other children's activities provided entertainment centering on the First Lady's "Ready, Set, Move" campaign. Children and parents alike received lessons in combating childhood obesity by leading healthy, active lives.

"It was an amazing trip," said Brent Bassham who works at the Armament Directorate here but also serves as a Navy lieutenant in the reserves. "My daughter got to see and hear each member of the First Family read a children's story. The event was very well done. We also got to do a good bit of site-seeing, so it was a great learning experience for both of us. It was a very memorable, once in a lifetime trip for both me and my daughter."

Tickets were handed out to families who are currently or will be affected by a deployment first and then all other military.

"The whole family had a chance to meet President Obama and shake his hand," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Casey, 96th Security Forces Squadron, who brought his two children.

The event has become an annual tradition after First Lady Dolly Madison held the first Easter egg roll in 1814.