Foundation supports second annual international military family fun event

 International Military Students (IMS) and their family members attending the Command and General Staff Officers Course (CGSOC) Class of 2025 were provided an amazing opportunity to meet for a “Welcome Back to School” event sponsored by the CGSC Foundation at the “Main Event” in the Zona Rosa Family Entertainment Center in North Kansas City on Feb. 2, 2025.

About 243 international students and their family members attended the event and enjoyed hours of unlimited activities on the high ropes course, laser tag and bowling as well as a traditional American lunch and hours of video game play. The event was an opportunity for them to celebrate their return to classes in CGSOC’s Advanced Operations Course after their winter holiday break. The event also allowed the IMS to be formally introduced to the CGSC Foundation and the opportunities the Foundation offers to keep them engaged now and in the years to come. 

Many of the IMS family members were afforded the opportunity to enjoy the newest in video games, competing against one another and continuing to develop bonds with their classmates and their families that span five continents. 

“It was a great time to spend with friends after so many months of studying and focusing on our CGSC academics,” said IMS MAJ Daniel from Angola. “I am so thankful for the event and for the Foundation’s support to our IMS cohort.”

Other IMS families opted to compete in the Lazer Tag Arena against other IMS Families and locals at the Main Event that day. The highlight for most was the challenging high ropes course that sits high along the ceiling throughout the Main Event. Spouses and dependents overcame many fears along the course and numerous IMS showed off their skills as they sailed high above the Main Event crowd that were enjoying the camaraderie and fellowship on display. 
 
The entire IMS Class of 2024-25 thanks the Foundation for providing this opportunity to the cohort to help build future relationships, family and friendship through fun. Jim Fain, the director of the International Military Student Division, also thanked the Foundation President/CEO Lora Morgan and Director of Operations Laurie Morgado for their outstanding work in making this annual event a reality. 

“These events are the ones that will be remembered for many years to come by all IMS and their families,” said David Bornn, the International Military Student Division Field Studies Program Chair. “We couldn’t do it without those who are a part of the CGSC Foundation and the trust and support of the Foundation CEO and board of directors. Thank you very much for believing in our strategic program!”

This is the Foundation’s second year supporting this event.