Photo By Spc. Montarius McGlown | Mrs. Alexandra Drew, 82nd Airborne Division Artillery representative, stood out as a...... read more read more
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Fort Bragg, NC -- The 82nd Airborne Division honored six individuals during the Division Volunteer of the Quarter ceremony at the Culinary Arts Training Center, here, on July 22, 2025, for their selfless contributions and significant impacts on the military and surrounding communities.
Maj. Gen. James “Pat” Work and Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph Delapena, the 82nd Airborne Division command team, recognized the volunteers’ efforts as they participated in mentoring community youth, humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Helene, and memorializing the life of a fallen Paratrooper.
During his speech, Maj. Gen. Work emphasized that the Division is its people.
Mrs. Tabitha Wildman, representing the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team (“Red Devils”), stepped up as a Battalion Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) advisor for the Red Devils, on May 28th, 2025, assuming the most significant level of responsibility for any civilian within the program. As a member of the Red Devil SFRG team, she continues to increase her involvement by taking on higher levels of responsibility. Apart from the positions she holds within the organization, Mrs. Wildman was present at every event and provided incredible assistance with any fundraising efforts.
Sgt. Nathan Nadol, a Paratrooper assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (“White Falcons”), demonstrated exceptional dedication by volunteering numerous hours to support the Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, and broader North Carolina communities. His most recent contribution to this past quarter was his involvement in race events and Hurricane Helene relief efforts. He demonstrated leadership and commitment by volunteering during the Fayetteville Spartan Trifecta weekend and Fort Bragg Honor Run in May 2025. His contributions included setting up and tearing down events, managing obstacle and route safety, and providing general event support.
Following the impact of Hurricane Helene, he immediately took the initiative in supporting relief efforts. He coordinated with private organizations, including Hands on Asheville and Buncombe County Government, and assisted in recovery operations. According to the narrator, he played a vital role in organizing and distributing essential supplies, including potable and non-potable water, bottled water, MREs, hot meals, blankets, toys, and candy. Over four days, he directly contributed to aiding 3,200 individuals displaced by the hurricane. His efforts significantly improved the quality of life for residents in Western North Carolina during a critical time.
1st. Sgt. Steven Branch, a Paratrooper of the 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team (“1 FURY”), has volunteered for over 250 hours at the Harnett County Sheriff's Department Police Athletics League (HCSO PAL) wrestling club. During that time, he has helped coach and mentor over 40 youth wrestlers, ranging in age from five to 14 years old. Responsibilities include creating and running practices, driving/chaperoning wrestlers to tournaments in various locations around the state, and coaching over 300 matches throughout the season. His commitment to the youth wrestling program was rewarded with 25 youth wrestlers finishing in the top 3 in their respective age, weight, and division State Tournaments. His selfless dedication has resulted in the HCSO PAL Rangers Five wrestlers finishing in the top five for their age division for the Belt Series Championship, including one wrestler being crowned the Belt Series Champion.
According to the narrator, the HCSO PAL Rangers were the only club in the state to finish the season in the top five for team standings in both the elementary and middle school divisions. In addition to all this, he volunteers at his church every Sunday. He is a pillar of his community and deserves recognition from the Brigade for his incredible passion, exceptional time management, and selflessness.
Sgt. 1st. Class Patrice Williams, a Paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division Special Troops Battalion, Sustainment Brigade, has been with the unit for two years and has dedicated over 200 volunteer hours in the past year, 20 of which were this quarter. Her efforts have directly supported Headquarters and Headquarters Company, as well as the Division's Sustainment Brigade as a whole. She played several key roles in planning and executing major events, including the HHC Christmas Holiday Party, the Brigade Trunk or Treat event, several SFRG fundraisers, the Breast Cancer Awareness Run, and, most recently, the Month of the Military Child Easter Egg Hunt. According to the narrator, her energy, motivation, and commitment to morale building have made a lasting impact.
Mrs. Natalia Minnick, a representative from the 82nd Airborne Division Combat Aviation Brigade, organized and hosted an all-day competition featuring multiple events for parents and children at Bowley Elementary School from April to June. These competitions allowed families, friends, teachers, and students to come together over various weekend activities to showcase school pride in family-level sports. She also assisted with the design and procurement of T-shirts for Bowley Elementary School's students, parents, and teachers to raise funds for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in May. Her ability to be innovative raised awareness about Bowley Elementary, enabling the school to secure funds for future PTA initiatives. According to the narrator, Mrs. Minnick has gone above and beyond what is expected of her at Bowley Elementary, exemplifying what it means to be not only a parent but also a supportive figure to the children at Bowley Elementary.
Mrs. Alexandra Drew, 82nd Airborne Division Artillery representative, stood out as a volunteer this quarter through her outstanding work assigned both as a Battery Soldier Family and Readiness Group Representative (SFRG) and as the 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (“Loyalty”) Senior Advisor, between coordinating multiple Battery Hail and Farewells that welcomed junior Paratroopers in the formation, and organizing a Company Operations Facility warming party that celebrated the complex Army Structure movements. She also found time to take care of Paratroopers and through memorializing the life of Spc. Johnson, helped coordinate a non-profit organization to hold a remembrance ceremony off-post in his honor, in addition to her day-to-day duties of fundraising for the Battalion through All-American Week and beyond. Moreover, she worked late at night and demonstrated compassion as she supported the Battery through Immediate Response Force 1 rigging details, training, and field exercises, including baking, visits, and late-night phone calls to support spouses. Whether it was assisting spouses in finding temporary housing near Womack Army Medical Center during family emergencies or helping military family members with their resumes and job hunting, she led multiple initiatives to improve the Division's environment for military families of all ranks and backgrounds.
The ceremony illustrated the Division’s fundamental principles of helping prepare Paratroopers to deploy anywhere in the world on 18 hours notice.
| Date Taken: | 07.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2025 10:54 |
| Story ID: | 543870 |
| Location: | FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 3,242 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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