FORT HOOD, Texas – Family Readiness Group members, soldiers and officers of the 1st Squadron, 7th “GarryOwen” Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted breakfast with Santa at the Oveta Culp Center, here, Dec. 1.
The event, staffed by FRG and GarryOwen volunteers, provided an opportunity for soldiers and their families to meet with one another, eat breakfast, visit with Santa and ask for special presents for the holidays.
“I think soldiers and families had a great time,” said Brighton, Mich. native, 1st Lt. Michael Gorecki, the executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop of GarryOwen. “The children enjoyed Santa and his gifts, as well as the crafts and games.”
Gorecki explained the idea behind the event was that of San Francisco native, Lt. Col. Jay Miseli, the commander of GarryOwen.
Gorecki explained Miseli, unit leaders, and FRG volunteers were seeking an event prior to the holidays in which soldiers and their families could get together in a social setting to assist with Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.
One FRG leader who attended the event said she thought the families and kids liked the event.
“I do think the families enjoyed the event,” said Chicago, Ill. native, Jennifer Crilly, FRG leader for Troop C of GarryOwen. “And the kids were definitely excited to see Santa.”
Crilly explained that leaders’ spouses played a creative role in the event as well.
“The senior leaders’ spouses put together the candy reindeer that were handed out to the children, and Tiffany Welch, one of the other FRG leaders, put together a small crafts for the kids to do while they were there.”
Gorecki said the event was in the works for several weeks, but the turnout was more than expected. He said the event started on time and that each child saw Santa at least once.
“Bottom line, with Santa giving gifts, how can you go wrong?” Gorecki said.
Crilly said she would attend again if given the chance because she likes to meet people.
“I would attend [again] because I enjoy getting to know the people my husband works with and their families,” Crilly said.
Gorecki concluded saying GarryOwen has more plans to carryout events like these in the future, events that reach out to soldiers and their families.