'We Do' Battalion celebrates holiday season with family, friends

Photo By Rosario Urquieta | Lt. Col. Darrell Dodge (left), commander of 1-363rd Combat Support/Combat Service Support (Training Support) Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, serves gravy to a child attending the unit’s holiday party at Camp Parks Reserve Training Center in Dublin, Calif., Dec 8. All the members of the battalion’s command team served food to soldiers and their families during the party. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rosario Urquieta, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, Public Affairs)  

DUBLIN, CA, UNITED STATES

12.08.2013

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Victor Gardner 

1-363rd Combat Support/Combat Service Support

DUBLIN, Calif. - There is more to a training unit other than training. The 1-363rd Combat Support/Combat Service Support (Training Support) Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade, Division West, held its holiday party at the unit’s Camp Park headquarters Dec. 8.

The event was supported by the Family Readiness Group.

“Anytime you can get families together for a celebration, it strengthens the unit bond and it makes family members feel more involved in the unit itself,” said Adrianne Grieve, FRG leader.

Lt. Col. Darrell Dodge, commander of the 1-363rd, opened the party by saying it was a joy to see all of the families and soldiers at the unit for the event.

This year’s party was particularly special for the Lacuesta family.

“The best part was having my husband home, since last year he was in Afghanistan,” said Irena Lacuesta. “This is our first Christmas with this new unit, and we met so many new people.”

Thanks to items donated from the FRG and soldiers in the unit, one of the highlights of the party was the door prizes, Grieve said.

“We didn’t advertise as much (for door prizes); it was a happy accident,” Grieve added. “I mentioned that we were going to donate jewelry, and then Master Sgt. Vargas stepped up big-time (with donations), along with 2nd Lt. Thao and the FRG.”

Children at the party had their own arts and crafts room, where Soldiers helped them color pictures, make snowmen, draw candy canes and customize Christmas stockings.

“As a mother, I enjoy my kids having fun, and I’m a big kid at heart,” said Lacuesta. “To be part of the arts and crafts and see all the Soldiers’ children’s faces all lit up and having fun with doing crafts brings joy to my heart and makes me happy.”

After a hearty holiday meal, Sgt. 1st Class Genaro Garcia dressed up as old Saint Nick to entertain the children gives them gifts.

Everyone had a great time at the party, Grieve said. “The best part of any event is when the attendees are happy and sometimes shocked at the good time they are having.”

• Date Taken: 12.08.2013
• Date Posted: 12.17.2013 13:49
• Story ID: 118332
• Location: DUBLIN, CA, US
• Hometown: ANTELOPE HILLS, CA, US
• Hometown: DUBLIN, CA, US
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US
• Hometown: FRESNO, CA, US
• Hometown: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US
• Hometown: SALINAS, CA, US
• Hometown: SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US