13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) hails, farewell Soldiers, Adopt-A-Unit partner sponsors event

Photo By Maj. Raul Marquez | An Outback Steakhose employee dishes out menu fare, buffet style during the 13th ESC hail and farewell at the Killeen restaurant, Feb. 28. Restaurant owner Bill White donated the use of the facility as part of the Association of the United States Army Adopt-A-Unit program.  

KILLEEN, UNITED STATES

02.28.2009

Story by Maj. Raul Marquez 

13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command (13th ESC)

KILLEEN, Texas — Almost everyone enjoys eating and meeting friends in a casual setting and a friendly atmosphere. This was the case when Outback Steakhouse owner, Bill White, opened his restaurant doors exclusively to Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to help welcome and bid farewell to some of its members, Feb. 28.

White, a long time supporter of Soldiers and families at Fort Hood, adopted Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 13th ESC, through the Association of the United States Army's Adopt a Unit program, which, according to their website, the program's purpose is to strengthen ties between our military and civilian communities by making it easier to meet and know one another at the grassroots.

The relationship between Outback Steakhouse and the 13th ESC is just one of hundreds that currently exists between company or battalion level units at Fort Hood and business and civic organizations across central Texas. These relationships are mutually beneficial, since it builds communication between Fort Hood and its neighbors, making Central Texas stronger, according to their site.

During Saturday's event, 13th ESC staff members dined on steak, chicken and other fixings that are part of the restaurants' daily menu, in a buffet style setting.

Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commander, 13th ESC, commended White and his staff for opening their doors and donating their time to serve the 13th ESC Soldiers, and for his continuous support to other organizations and charities like Christmas in July, which last year donated more than seven thousand dollars for the Fort Hood Santa's Workshop.

"The adopt-a-unit program is a key to what makes Fort Hood the great place, because it strengthens the important bond that exists between the installation and the community," Wentz said.

For more information on the AUSA Adopt-A-Unit program visit: http://www.forthoodausa.org/adopt_a_unit.shtml.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2009
• Date Posted: 03.02.2009 16:03
• Story ID: 30643
• Location: KILLEEN, US