FORT HOOD, Texas - Troopers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 9th Calvary Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, were recognized for their services during an awards ceremony held by sponsors from the American Legion, Aug. 28.
American Legion sponsors, with Post 223 in Killeen and Post 629 in Camille, Texas, met with Head Hunter troopers to show their appreciation and support prior to the brigade's deployment to Iraq this summer.
"This is a wonderful thing for our unsung heroes," said Dan Shelton, the 1st Vice Commander of Post 629. "They're going to war and we need to do something for them to let them know that we care about them. This isn't just a one-time thing, they're a part of our families," said the Cold Springs, Texas, native.
Once Soldiers arrived at the ceremony, they had the opportunity to join the legion, where their first year dues would be paid for by the sponsors. Besides inducting Soldiers into the legion, sponsors will also send care packages to the troopers while overseas.
Over the last four years, the Legion Riders have raised more than $89,000 and have sent more than $78,000 dollars in care packages to deployed Soldiers.
"I think this is truly a humbling experience, to see the community truly reach out and want to support the Soldiers the way they do," said Lt. Col. John Cushing, the unit's commander,
The sponsors not only showed support but they also showed love. Each Soldier signed their name on an American flag that they later put on a Christmas tree. The traveling Christmas tree, flags, and yellow ribbons represent Soldiers overseas, and upon their return home, they will take their flag off the tree to let everyone know they made it home safe.
Ending with dinner and karaoke, the ceremony brought a sense of togetherness that each Soldier would take with them as they head overseas for their new mission - Operation New Dawn.
"This is a very good organization," said Pvt. Jose Narciso, a scout from Columbia, S. C. "To have people come out and support us before we leave and to know they'll be here when we come back, it makes me happy to be here."
The unit is scheduled to deploy later this summer in support of Operation New Dawn, where they will advise and assist the Iraqi nation.
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