GATESVILLE, Texas -- Gatesville community leadership held a luncheon here Jan. 29 at an Italian restaurant to discuss and enhance the relationship with their partnership unit, First Army Division West.
"This is a meet-and-greet with some of our local Gatesville leadership and the new commander of Division West, Maj. Gen. Jeffery Colt," said Diana Fincher, North Fort Hood Ministry Unit Coordinator. "We hope to make our relationship with Division West bigger and better."
The assembly included some of the division's local leadership from the 166th Aviation and 479th Field Artillery Brigades, as well as Fort Hood "Good Neighbors."
During the lunch, the leaders focused on what it would take to further develop relations between the two communities.
"We are trying to build on the relationship that we have already, and find out what Division West needs," said Carla Manning, Gatesville Military Affairs representative. "Furthermore, what the division can provide to help us support the Soldiers."
Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick K. Akuna Jr., Division West command sergeant major, observed the benefits of this meeting of the minds.
"It was an outstanding opportunity for myself, as well as the commanding general to meet the civilian leadership of Gatesville," said Akuna. "It gave him an opportunity to see what they do for us."
Akuna continued to explain the depth of the community partnership.
"They've set up a huge list of events to support the Soldiers to include the Military Appreciation Fish Fry, Memorial and Veteran's Day events, as well as Independence Day," he said. "They go above and beyond to provide for the Soldiers, and that's a great win."
By the end of the get-together, the Gatesville leadership further proved why there is such a wonderful relationship with the division.
"We are trying to continue a fantastic relationship as a community that supports North Fort Hood Soldiers who are deploying and are a part of the training staff of Division West," said Fincher.
The division's senior enlisted leader shared those sentiments.
"I've never seen such a close-knit relationship between units and the civilian towns as with Gatesville, Fort Hood and Division West," said Akuna.
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