VCSA Hosts Breakfast for 'Soldier Heroes' at the All-American Bowl

By Rich LamanceJanuary 9, 2007

VCSA Hosts Breakfast for 'Soldier Heroes'
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Richard A. Cody talks to 'Soldier Heroes' during a breakfast at Sunset Station in San Antonio. Close to 90 Soldier 'heroes' who were awarded either the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star or t... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
VCSA Hosts Breakfast for 'Soldier Heroes'
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers congregate for breakfast at the Sunset Station Saloon, once the San Antonio train station, before the start of Saturday's "All-American" Bowl football game.Senior leaders such as the Secretary of the Army and the Army Vice Chief of Staff vis... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAN ANTONIO - For the more than 80 "Soldier Heroes" who have been awarded a Bronze Star, Silver Star or Purple Heart, the buffet breakfast was good, but the company was great.

The Soldiers were joined by Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis J. Harvey, Gen. Richard A. Cody, Army Vice Chief of Staff, Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, Gen. William S. Wallace, commander, Training and Doctrine Command, United States Army, U.S. Army North Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Turner and United States Army Reserve Command Commander Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz.

Soldiers said they appreciated that some of the military's most influential decision makers took the time to talk to them.

"It's an honor to meet any general. I'm just a specialist, and to sit down and have breakfast with them - it's an honor," said. Spc. Amanda Lynn, a purple heart recipient and 110th Military Police Co. Soldier.

Lynn said she especially enjoyed the conversation with Turner's wife.

"His wife was really nice. This is unbelievable. When I joined the Army I didn't expect any of this," she said.

The VIPs said having breakfast with the Soldiers was a good opportunity to hear from troops on the ground level about their concerns.

"I was talking with two Soldiers at my table who are now recruiters, and it was good for me to hear from them about what they are seeing. Absolutely," said Wallace.

For Stultz, the breakfast allowed him the opportunity to address some issues unique to the Army Reserve.

"It's emotional. I get a lump in my throat every time I talk to these heroes," Stultz said.

1st Lt. Annette Sabado, a Bronze Star recipient and 99th Regional Readiness Command Soldier, said having breakfast with Gen. Cody was enlightening.

"He really cares about troops, and he made time for us. He really wanted to know what we thought," she said.

During the meal, Gen. Cody walked table to table, presenting Soldiers with his coin. "I'm so proud of you guys," he said."