RED CLOUD GARRISON - Better Opportunities for Single and Unaccompanied Soldiers gave Warrior Country Soldiers a taste of Thanksgiving by offering a free meal for all Soldiers and a Texas Hold 'em tournament Nov. 23 in Mitchell's Club on Red Cloud.
"We (Area 1 BOSS program) are trying to show Soldiers we care and will continue to hold events like this because we are here for the Soldiers," said Sgt. Geraldo Moreno, Warrior Country BOSS coordinator. "We work hard to hold these events, and we take their opinions and interest to heart when deciding what is best."
Waiting in line before opening remarks from Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Lavender, USAG-RC command sergeant major, the more than 175 Soldiers in attendance crowded Mitchell's forcing the line to go as far back as outside the club. The Thanksgiving spread Mitchell's provided featured dishes similar to what most Soldiers would see at home. Dishes such as turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread stuffing, cranberry dressing and pumpkin pie were served by officers and non commissioned officers in the 2nd Infantry Division and USAG-RC chain of command.
Following the free meal for all Soldiers in attendance, the BOSS program held a Texas Hold 'em tournament for a charge to buy in of only $10. The tournament, which had more than 100 Soldiers participate, gave away $150 and $100 gift certificates, redeemable at any Army and Air Force Exchange Service for first and second runner up. A brand new Play Station 3 system was awarded to the winner of the tournament.
After three hours of dealing cards and moving from table to table, Sgt. 1st Class Archie Pairadee, 2nd Infantry Division Provost Marshall's Office, proved his experience playing poker in relaxed style was what was needed to win as he was awarded the PlayStation 3 signifying him the winner of tournament.
"There were a few times when I thought I made a mistake and it would cost me," Pairadee said, "but I remained relaxed and watched everyone take each other out of the game while I betted big and capitalized on it when I saw the chance."
"I know so many people like to play poker and consulting other areas I knew it was going to be a great success," said Pfc. George Chandler, USAG-RC BOSS president. "Being away from home can be rough and spending the holidays away from your loved one's makes the situation much harder so we want to hold a lot of events for Soldiers in Area 1 to help ease the tension and show Soldiers that we do care about them."
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