FORT HOOD, Texas - Prior to jumpstarting their weekend, soldiers assigned to 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, held a fundraiser at the 1st Cavalry Division Museum, here, Nov. 30.
The car wash and yard sale’s primary purpose served as raising money to go toward the unit’s Family Readiness Group funds to support an upcoming Christmas party.
“We chose to have a car wash and yard sale because we figured it would raise the most money so soldiers could have a good Christmas party and possibly have Santa Claus pass out toys to the children,” said 1st Sgt. Antoinette Riddlespriger, the unit’s rear detachment first sergeant.
From trucks to cars and even motorcycles, the size and amount of dirt did not deter the group of volunteer troopers from sharing laughter, helping to build unit cohesion and morale in the process.
“It’s something fun to do,” said Spc. Jessica Roman, transportation specialist assigned to Company A, 27th BSB. “If they see us having fun and actually working together to have fun, it helps build morale.”
As the vehicles strolled through, soldiers lathered them up, providing their customers a clean car for the weekend.
The donation-based fundraiser even brought along fellow soldiers from within the unit to support the cause.
“It’s always good to have that unit camaraderie and help out where you can,” said Sgt. Nicolas King, a medic assigned to C Company.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, King added, “FRG is a vital role in every unit. It helps out the families when soldiers deploy and it gives [soldiers] necessary information.”
With roughly a third of the brigade deployed, families and soldiers assigned to the unit’s rear detachment use the FRG to stay connected to each other.
Whether it involves washing cars or grilling hot dogs, soldiers depend on the funds raised to support a common goal — unity.
In regards to the unit’s upcoming party, Riddlespriger, a native of Alton, Ill., stated, “The Christmas party is important so Rear D soldiers and family members can all feel like they are still part of one family even though soldiers are deployed. It’s also for families to come out, bring their kids and enjoy a party.”
Together, soldiers raised $418. An event that only lasted a few hours will bring long lasting memories to soldiers, families and the unit.
“I always like supporting soldiers,” said Hermine Smiley, a customer who had her car washed. “Being a retired soldier myself, I understand it’s always good to help support unit functions. I think this is a great thing and whoever can come out and support is awesome.”