Hilltop Times – Hill Air Force Base Weekly Newspaper Since 1948

Tuesday marked the first of many hoped for multicultural days at the Defense Logistics Agency at Hill. DLA employees meandered around the building with "passports," going from culture to culture to nibble not only on bits of food, but also bits of knowledge.

The event held Oct. 4 kicked off just before 11 a.m. with Col. James Kinkade, the site commander for DLA Aviation in Ogden, cutting a carrot cake. Then, participants let their passports guide them as they wandered throughout the building, having their passports marked at every station.

Listening to organizers gear up for the Our Nation's Defenders' Picnic, July 29, you could get the impression that the effort doesn't involve a lot of time, effort and work. When talking to Barbara Riddle, chairwoman for the committee, and active member of the Top of Utah Military Affairs Executive Committee (MAC), as plans unfold smoothly there still might seem to be that impression. But don't believe it.

Members of Team Hill who dropped by Centennial Park with or without their furry friends for "Bark in the Park" got the chance to chat with Melanie Swartz, doctor of veterinary medicine, chief, Hill Veterinary Services.

"We see more dogs than cats, depending on the season," Swartz said, when asked about the types of animals requiring her attention. "When it's kitten season, we'll see more kittens," she said.

Army veterinarians have traditionally and predominantly been food inspectors, Swartz said. "That's our number one mission," she said.

Bring your pet to Centennial Park on Friday, May 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with your pet friends.

Working dogs from Hill Air Force Base as well as the local community will be doing demonstrations throughout the event. Representatives from the base's veterinarian services will be available to answer your questions about the services they provide. There will also be a pet cake walk with fun prizes as well as pet gift bags.

All pets must be leashed while attending the event. Contact (801) 777-2611 for more details.

On Thursday, Sept. 16, an Education Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Park.

The fair will feature booths and information from more than 40 different schools and colleges from around the United States. Anyone interested in pursuing a degree or continuing education is encouraged to attend. Hamburgers and hotdogs will also be served.

Question: First of all, thank you for providing military families with a wonderful spray park for the kids …very well done. However, last Saturday when my family and I visited, the area near the covered patio was absolutely littered with trash — looked like someone had a pizza and fast food party the night before.

I secured a trash bag and cleaned it up myself, but am wondering who is responsible for ensuring the trash is taken away? The two barrels were overflowing, but of course that did not stop some people from putting trash on top.