Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kris Bonet | Charles "Sarge" Biggs is a retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. at Fort Bliss, Tx. Nov. 3. Biggs...... read more read more
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A World War II veteran brought care packages and bid farewell to Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Division as they prepared to deploy here Nov. 3., 2017.
Retired 1st Sgt. Charles “Sarge” Biggs and his wife, Sue Biggs, are volunteers with Operation Soldier Smiles, a nonprofit organization that has shared approximately 17,000 care packages with service members over the past 13 years.
“This was a totally lucked out situation,” said Annette Fazenbaker, a member of OSS. “We didn’t know they were deploying. We bring these (care packages) down here about three times a year.”
OSS managed to distribute 462 care packages, which contain books, toiletries, candy and more. This was the second time they have had the opportunity to meet a deploying unit and bid them farewell as they brought the care packages. The first opportunity was 10 years ago.
The Fazenbaker family’s eldest daughter, Margaret Fazenbaker, started the organization in 2004 as a school project, and it became a family tradition. Currently, their youngest daughter, Madeleine Fazenbaker, helps them continue the charity.
“What keeps us going? Ask that gentleman right there,” said retired Air Force Maj. Paul Fazenbaker, as he pointed at Biggs. “Guys like him are one of the things that keeps us going.”
Biggs enlisted in 1945 when he was 16 years old. He served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a blacksmith for the cavalry and a paratrooper.
“I’m one of the last horse Soldiers,” laughed Biggs.
“Take care of yourselves and make sure you get back,” said Biggs, as he said goodbye to the departing unit.
To contact Operation Soldier Smiles and the Fazenbaker family, call (575) 434-5615 or email operationSoldiersmiles@gmail.com.
| Date Taken: | 11.08.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 01.19.2018 21:05 |
| Story ID: | 262090 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Hometown: | ALAMOGORDO, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Family-run nonprofit distributes care packages, by SFC Kris Bonet, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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