Photo By Tarah Jackson | Sgt. Rachel Roseberry and other staff members of the Directorate of Public Works at...... read more read more
By T.D. Jackson
Camp Atterbury Public Affairs
CAMP ATTERBURY, Indiana – Every year, WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis and Outback Steakhouse host their annual backyard barbecue in four central Indiana neighborhoods. Typically, Channel 13 viewers write in to the station and try to get the barbecue to be held in their area.
Jerry Luna, a programming assistant for Channel 13, said this year they approached the communities instead.
"Because of the extensive damage from the tornados and floods in June, we wanted to reach out to communities affected by the devastation," said Luna.
Camp Atterbury was one of those areas hit hardest. A tornado blew through the installation early June, only to be followed by torrential rain and flooding a few days later. Several buildings and structures were destroyed, including more than 90 vehicles, and more than 100 other buildings were damaged. The last repairs estimate reached $49 million.
In light of the ruin and devastation, Channel 13 and Outback chose Camp Atterbury as its fourth and final stop on the backyard barbecue circuit. The barbeque also made its way to Martinsville, Franklin and Columbus.
For close to six years, Channel 13 and Outback have been partnering to put on this event, and Luna said that he still gets feedback from viewers who have attended cookouts in the past.
"It's a great way to help people in the community come together," he said.
The Directorate of Public Works here was selected as the directorate to be honored by Channel 13 and Outback. The group played – and continues to play – a major role in the restoration of Camp Atterbury. Maj. William Boehmer, the post engineer officer, said the directorate has cleared out approximately 17 buildings, repaired three and 30 are under construction.
Food technicians from Outback began setting up shop Thursday afternoon for an early evening cookout. Soldiers were treated to a dinner of grilled steak, chicken and salmon, salad, sautéed green beans and a slice of cheesecake.
Ricky Costa, a regional kitchen supervisor for Outback, said the event was personal for him, considering his family's history in the military. Costa's grandfather, dad and uncle were all in the armed forces.
"This is little to nothing compared to what the Soldiers do," said Costa. "I'm grateful to help out."
Sgt. Trenton Willis, a safety non-commissioned officer for the housing office here, said he appreciated the dinner for the Soldiers' benefit.
"It's good to be recognized for doing a great job," he said.
After dinner, the Soldiers were honored yet again by their leadership in an awards ceremony. Ten Soldiers and civilians received awards for going above and beyond the call of duty during the week of the tornado and floods.
Col. Barry Richmond, the post commander, gave thanks for the tireless efforts of the employees.
"All of you put your heart and soul into everything you do," he said.
Maj. Kenneth Potchen, deputy director of public works, was also on hand to thank the Soldiers, employees and families for sticking out the long hours and for a job well done.
"You should be proud of yourselves," he said. "But hopefully this will never happen again."
Sgt. Rachel Roseberry, a real property clerk, said she came in the night of the tornado to check on the buildings and structures.
"I wanted to make sure the gas was shut off in the buildings and to make sure no one was hurt," said Roseberry, who received a meritorious service medal for helping out during the disaster.
"It's nice to have them come do this for us," she said of the backyard barbecue. "The food was very good," she added, "but I think I ate too much!"
| Date Taken: | 08.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2008 17:07 |
| Story ID: | 22244 |
| Location: | CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 28 |
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