By Capt. Patrick Bracken
Chaplain 5-1 CAV
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - The soldiers of 5th Battalion, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, responded to the brigade commander’s call for Stryker soldiers to reach out and help the local Fairbanks community by organizing a squadron canned food drive to benefit the Door of Hope Food Bank.
The squadron’s first sergeants led the charge by motivating their troops and emphasizing how important events like this are for both the Army and its relationship to the community.
“You have to sell the idea to the soldiers and make them see why it’s important,” 1st Sgt. Shawn Keene said. “It’s like any program or new directive we push out. If soldiers, especially junior leaders, understand and believe in it, it will succeed.”
Keene’s soldiers collected more than 4,500 cans and boxes of food for the drive.
Competition was also a motivator for some soldiers, according to one troop commander.
“I’m a competitive person, and wanted to see my guys win,” Alpha Troop Commander, Capt. Thomas Bramanti said. “However, this was about more than winning - it was about serving those in need. I’m glad to see that so many of my guys donated and helped to support the Fairbanks community.”
The battalion’s commander described the food drive as an opportunity to give back to the local community.
“This is a great opportunity for our soldiers to reach out and assist those in need,” 5-1st Commander Lt. Col. Erik Krivda said. “The soldiers in the squadron have always had great support from the community, this time it is an opportunity for us to return the favor and support the community.”