Subscribe
FORT BRAGG, N.C. - While XVIII Airborne Corps units prepare equipment and await air transportation for humanitarian relief operations in Haiti, their Fayetteville and Spring Lake, N.C., neighbors are showing their support.
Volunteers from the American Red Cross and the United Services Organization of North Carolina are providing food, toiletries and support to the troops.
"We called restaurants around Fayetteville, explained to them what was going on with our efforts, and asked them to help us out the best way they could," said Brenda Dunn, Program Assistant for the Red Cross's Highlands Chapter. "The response has been overwhelming and amazing. These restaurants have donated hot-cooked meals for these Soldiers at no expense."
Wanda Moore, a USO-NC volunteer, is a familiar face to paratroopers who have deployed from Fort Bragg before. "We support everything the military does, said Moore. "We bring them care packages, hugs and well wishes to make sure they know we love them."
While this mission differs from previous deployments the USO-NC has supported, the dedication and motivation of the troopers is the same. "Honestly, we're very impressed with these young men and women here," Moore said. "I have yet to hear a negative comment about heading out. Everyone here is all smiles, knowing they will be doing some real good to the people of Haiti."
The paratroopers are greatly appreciative of the outpouring generosity by the community.
"Many of them have been coming forward, thanking us for what we've done for them," said Dunn. "Really, it's the surrounding communities that deserve the thanks."
| Date Taken: | 01.19.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.19.2010 17:24 |
| Story ID: | 44134 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 411 |
| Downloads: | 373 |
This work, Fort Bragg Units to deploy in support of humanitarian efforts in Haiti, by SGM Sharon Opeka, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
