FORT EUSTIS, VA. (Sep. 1, 2010) - Soldiers give a great deal of themselves every single day. High operational tempo, deployments overseas, and a rigorous training schedule demand much of a Soldier's time and energy. In spite of these demands Soldiers still want to do more, more for their country and for the world.
Soldiers from the 7th Sustainment Brigade gathered and sent supplies in support of this relief effort last month.
Chaplain (Maj.) Tom Allen, the brigade chaplain, received a sudden notice that Brig. Gen. Robin Akin, the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general, was traveling to Zambia, Africa and wanted to donate relief supplies to those in need. Allen coordinated with the brigade's leadership and got the word out that supplies needed to be ready and fast. The brigade gave support in full force.
Within 24-hours of the initial notice, the 'Resolute' brigade collected six pallets of toys, sporting equipment, clothes and personal hygiene items. A small team of Soldiers took extra time out of their busy duty day to move, package and prepare the items for transport. Chief Warrant Officer Earnestina Kelley Jones, Staff Sgt. Linwood Mosley and Spc. Michael Cavalli personally oversaw the relief supplies movement to Washington D.C. explained Allen.
"Soldiers give so much of their time and energy for this country and they still want to give more," said Allen. "The rapid response of these Soldiers and the amount they gave in such a short time shows how much they care."
The pallets were loaded on a military aircraft and sent to Zambia. All Soldiers involved felt proud of their contribution.
"It's always good to help those in need," said Spc. Garry Barney, a generator mechanic with the 558th Transportation Company, 6th Transportation Battalion. "This is a good cause and I know these supplies will help."
The supplies went to the Jon Hospice and Kara Counseling Centre in the Kamwala Township of Zambia. Jon Hospice provides palliative care and support to HIV/AIDS patients, education to orphans and vulnerable children, and outreach services. The 1,500 pounds of relief items donated by Resolute Warriors will help over 50 children.
"The Soldiers who donated their time and resources did so from the heart," said Col. Charles Maskell, the 7th Sus. Bde. commander. "There was no official tasking or order given, they just wanted to help."
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Photos and story by Staff Sgt. Alexander Burnett, 7th Sustainment Brigade public affairs. For queries, contact 7th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs at: 757-878-5112 ext. 268. For high-resolution photos and stories by the 7th Sustainment Brigade, please contact the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System by calling (678) 421-6612 or access them online at http://www.dvidshub.net/units/7SB.
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