Photo By Sgt. Michael Smith | A Soldier assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) donates toys during the...... read more read more
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EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.—Although the holiday season is upon us, there are many families in the Florida Panhandle still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Michael.
Soldiers assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) are doing their part to bring some holiday cheer to the victims of the storm who are just a 45 minute drive from where the hurricane hit.
Approximately 400 Soldiers took part in Operation Toy Drop at Sontay Drop Zone, Dec. 6 and 7, training with Chilean Army Paratroopers whose mission was donating toys for hurricane relief.
This year, 7th SFG(A) coordinated with Manna Church in Niceville, to deliver the three palates of toys collected to the Panama City Police Department for their “Cops’N Kids” toy drive program.
“The Soldiers of 7th Group put together this jump as a goodwill gesture in support of hurricane relief,” said Capt. Travis Moen, chaplain, Group Support Battalion, 7th SFG(A). “There’s a lot of damage over there, but there are also a lot of people here helping, and this hopefully is a nice pick me up for the kids affected by Hurricane Michael that shows them that people do care.”
“Events like this allow Soldiers from the Chilean army get to know and exchange experiences with U.S. Forces,” said Capt. Hector Barria Ayala, platoon commander, Chilean Special Operations Brigade. “It serves as a reference for us and strengthens the brotherhood between our forces. In the end, we learn from each other.”
Although events like this are an excellent opportunity for training and strengthening bonds with partner nations, the deeper purpose of this event is evident in the attitudes and conversations amongst the Soldiers during the operation.
“The wing exchange where you earn Chilean Wings is only an incentive,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Averion, jumpmaster, GSB. “The point of this is gathering toys and giving back to the community. This brings everyone together to help out, and it shows that 7th Group really cares.”
Every year, the 7th Group uses a combination of charitable activities, from "toy jumps" to more traditional fundraisers, to get donations of Christmas toys.
“This event reveals that deep down there is some goodness in all of us and a desire to help our fellow man,” said Moen.
Lo Que Sea. Cuando Sea. Donde Sea.
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| Date Taken: | 12.06.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2018 12:52 |
| Story ID: | 304125 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 352 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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