Help us honor, help our unsung heroes; Hood Heroes lunch, Magic of Chocolate

Col. Bill Hill, Fort Hood Garrison Commander
Thursday, April 16, 2009

As you just read from our commander, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, this is a great time to thank our volunteers. And there are two events coming up in which you will be able to show appreciation to our volunteers.

The first is our special Hood Hero Volunteer Awards Ceremony and luncheon April 23. Instead of presenting awards to volunteers in small settings, we will now have a luncheon in their honor and formally recognize our volunteers quarterly.

At the first Hood Hero luncheon, we will recognize Nadine Albrecht for her service with Army Family Team Building and Army Family Action Plan, and Holly Cusimano who helped 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Cub Scouts and the Lupus Foundation. We’ll have Beth Bodily who served the 15th Support Battalion and PTO at Brookhaven Elementary School.

Then there is Mackenzie Vance, a youth volunteer. We’re recognizing her for service to the 15th Sustainment Brigade and the Second Chance Animal Shelter. This young lady gave up her birthday presents to help the animal shelter.

Others include Betty Jo Pritchett. She helped the 49th Transportation Battalion FRG, and wrapped Christmas presents, hosted online forums, and distributed Christmas toys. 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment was helped by Suzanne Buchanan, Robin Watts volunteered for 41st Fires Brigade, and Amy Bennett serves the 4th Infantry Divison. Yvonne Montoya with service to 6th Battalion, 4th Cavalry Regiment and Erica Duval helped 2 Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. We’ll recognize their service. Another unit volunteer being honored is Angella Hardin, posthumously, for helping the 53rd Quartermaster Company.

Another youth volunteer is David Haas who helped the 49th Trans. Bn., stuffing goodie bags during the holidays, decorating the Red Team Chapel and handing out Teddy Bears to sick children at Scott and White hospital.

As you can see, volunteers come in all ages, from all units. Their commonality is the effect they have on so many lives – yours and mine. If you would like to help honor them, Hood Hero luncheon tickets are on sale now for $12 and this includes a lunch of fried catfish, baked ham and all the fixings. No tickets at the door, so reserve your seat at hood.garr.rsvp@conus.army.mil.

And, another great way to help our volunteers is to attend “The Magic of Chocolate” this Saturday. Proceeds fund our volunteer’s child care. fund. Many could not volunteer without this help. Chocolate desserts, Starbuck’s coffees, door prizes and substantial items (weekend lodging, tickets and gift baskets) will be auctioned.

Tickets are available at the door and are $5 for adults and $2 for children 3-11, with kids under 3 admitted free. We are doing the event at Meadows Elementary School this year so come enjoy lots of chocolate while helping our wonderful volunteers.