'Tis the Season for Rail Gunners

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers from the 41st Fires Brigade show their giving spirits by donating toys to the Exceptional Family Members Program with the staff members outside of the Rivers Building located on Fort Hood, Texas, Dec. 3. As a whole, the 41st Fires Bde. gave more than 200 toys in support of the EFMP program. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Dalinda Salazar, 41st Fires Brigade, PAO)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

12.03.2010

Courtesy Story

41st Field Artillery Brigade

By Spc. Dalinda Salazar

FORT HOOD, Texas - The soldiers throughout the 41st Fires Brigade dug deep into their hearts and pockets to donate toys for the children in the Fort Hood Exceptional Family Member Program during the annual toy drive, Dec. 3.

This is the second annual EFMP toy drive supported by the 41st Fires Bde. and hundreds of new toys for children of various ages were donated in support of the program.

“We are thankful for the 41st Fires participation,” said Stephania Williams, a social service representative for EFMP. “The 41st Fires Bde. has donated more than 200 toys this year and our kids will be very grateful for their contributions. For some of the children, these toys will be the only toys they receive for Christmas.”

Sgt. Leandra Sotello, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, from Las Banos, Calif., donated to help other families.

“I think the kids will be happy and feel special because some do not receive gifts because of medical costs,” said Sotello. “It feels good to help other families in the Army.”

The 41st Fires Bde. received help by corporate sponsors who donated toys to assist the program and increase the contribution size.

“The $700 worth of toys were also donated from AUSA Corporation, our corporate sponsors,” said Maj. Michael Smith, battalion executive officer for the 1st Battalion, 21th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Fires Bde., and a native of Chicago. “During the season of giving, we hope we have fulfilled a child’s Christmas wish.”

The Christmas season is a time for giving and thanks to generous donations, the families in the EFMP program will hopefully have a reason to smile on Christmas morning.

• Date Taken: 12.03.2010
• Date Posted: 12.08.2010 17:45
• Story ID: 61591
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US