Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Headquarters and Service Battalion hosted their 2nd annual Family Day at Kings Dominion in Doswell, Va. on Aug. 12. This is one of many military appreciation days at the park which pays tribute to military service men and women. More than 1,000 tickets were purchased, increasing last year’s total sales by $125.

Service members purchased tickets for family and friends at the discounted price of $25. Ticket costs were offset with donations from the H&S Bn., Family Readiness Funds and Marine Corp Base Quantico.

Marines and their families enjoyed activities all day which included endless rides, live bands, carnival games and a free picnic lunch.

During the picnic, Col. Todd J. Oneto, Headquarters and Service Battalion commander, and Sgt. Maj. Thomas L. Johnson, Headquarters and Service Battalion sergeant major, helped to raffle free prizes which included: Visa gift cards, 40-inch television, Play Stations, tickets to the movies, golf packages and soundproof headphones.

“This Family Day appeared to be an overwhelming success, and the weather cooperated perfectly as well,” said Oneto. Additionally, I would like to thank Mickey Brown, Kings Dominion recreational coordinator, and the staff of Kings Dominion who generously donated tickets for free entry to the park, which were an addition to the free raffle.

According to Oneto, based on the success of the last two years, the H&S Bn. is slated to hold this event next summer around the same time.

Marine Corps Base Quantico Recreation Office listed Kings Dominion as one of Virginia’s largest theme parks and one of the most requested theme park tickets since April 2015. Tickets will be available at a discounted price to military card holders at the ticket office through October. For more information contact the local recreation assistant at 703-432-8850.