Army Reserve Unit Gives Back to Local Community

Photo By David Overson | U.S. Army 1st Lt. Aaron Bae from the 301st Public Affairs Detachment, Army Reserve prepares to assist with delivering food to needy locals at a Mesa, Ariz. food bank.  

MESA, AZ, UNITED STATES

07.12.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. David Overson 

301st Public Affairs Detachment

Mesa, Ariz. - The act of “giving back” means different things to different people. For some, it is a monetary issue, while others might view it as a matter of giving their time. However, for unit members of the Army Reserve 301st Public Affairs Detachment, giving back to the community manifested itself at a local food bank on July 10, 2016.

As not to draw attention to themselves, Soldiers of the 301st PAD volunteered in civilian attire at the Resurrection Street Ministry food bank, helping deliver food to needy community members’ vehicles.

The eight-man unit, which trains in Mesa, Ariz., is comprised of Public Affairs Specialists and Public Affairs Broadcast Specialists. Though their primary mission is to help tell the Army’s story through both print and video production, basic soldiering skills and Army Values are still paramount within the unit. One of those Army Values is Selfless Service, which was on full display this Saturday afternoon.

The 301st PAD’s commanding officer, 1st Lt. Aaron Bae, was eager to engage the community.

“I believe that success is measured by the number of lives we positively impact and it gives me much pleasure to help those in need,” Bae said. “Coming together as a unit and giving back to the local community has been a very rewarding experience.”

The Resurrection Street Ministry provides much needed food to approximately 1,000 families per week, which is distributed at the S.T.U.F.F. Thrift Store, located at 1135 E. Main St. in Mesa, Ariz. Needy families can receive food four times per month at this location.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2016
• Date Posted: 07.12.2016 18:40
• Story ID: 203776
• Location: MESA, AZ, US