Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, addresses...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Tony Foster
Division West Public Affairs
GATESVILLE, Texas – The Gatesville Chamber of Commerce hosted its fifth annual Military Appreciation Fish Fry at the Coryell County Activities Complex Feb. 22.
The city of Gatesville designated this event to show appreciation to soldiers, veterans and their families from the community’s neighboring installation of Fort Hood.
“Tonight we all gathered the military, along with our city and county officials, to show how much we appreciate the soldiers,” said Santanna Bay, Gatesville Chamber of Commerce president. “They give everything and make so many sacrifices for us, so today was our collective way of saying, ‘Thank you.’”
Though the fish fry is a cheery occasion, it was first held as a result of the November 2009 shooting on Fort Hood.
After the shooting, Gatesville residents provided aid to the soldiers and families of Fort Hood in many ways, including a dinner which evolved into the Military Appreciation Fish Fry held every year since then.
“I love this,” said 1st Sgt. Anthony Copenhaver, the first sergeant of the 479th Field Artillery Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battery. “This is the second year I’ve been able to attend, and it’s always a warm welcome here in Gatesville.”
The event began with a social hour, during which civilians and military attendees mingled and conversed. Boy Scout Troop 272 presented the national colors, and retired Army chaplain Rev. Buddy Wheat gave the invocation.
Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, addressed the crowd with words of appreciation on behalf of Fort Hood. The city of Gatesville has a close relationship with Fort Hood and, specifically, a community partnership with First Army Division West.
“It takes a community to wrap its arms around and love soldiers,” Milley said. “We need it, we love it and we want some more of it, and we appreciate Gatesville’s effort in that regard.”
Members of the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department prepared the fish, hushpuppies and sides enjoyed by approximately 300 attendees, including soldiers, retirees, community members, veterans and military family members.
“Gatesville is our partner community, and it’s always good to come and (have) fellowship with them,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz, Division West command sergeant major. “The food was outstanding; you can’t beat good-old Texas cooking.”
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.26.2013 11:42 |
| Story ID: | 102554 |
| Location: | GATESVILLE, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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