Cpl. Brittany Robbins, human resources specialist with HHC, 1st Bn., 16th Inf. Regt., a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina and Pvt. Chantey Fryer, a generator equipment repairer with HHC, 1st Bn. 16th Inf. Regt., and native of Lacey, Washington, and...
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division kicked off the Combined Federal Campaign fundraising effort with a volleyball tournament Sept. 21 at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation sand pit.
The annual event gives Soldiers the opportunity to choose between more than 2,700 charitable organizations to which they can contribute to and is the only fundraising method authorized by the Department of Defense.
The brigade raised more than $7,000 during the tournament, said 1st Lt. Andrew Heuton, strength manager and CFC coordinator, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st ABCT.
Heuton, a native of Lincoln, Missouri, said the CFC fundraising started two weeks before the tournament, but because of mission requirements, the brigade was unable to highlight the official start of the campaign.
"The brigade has raised more than $48,800 in the first two weeks, and my goal is to surpass Army Central's last year total of 16-percent participation by 50 percent," Heuton said, referring to the brigade's higher headquarters in Kuwait. "I know we cannot compete with them in the amount of money raised because they have more people; however, I believe we can exceed their participation percentage and raise $300,000 in the process for the CFC."
The evening wasn't all about raising money for charities, Heuton said, it was also an opportunity for the command to focus on its ready and resilient line of effort by providing Soldiers time to relax and have fun.
Fourteen teams signed up to play in the volleyball tournament. Many of the fans predicted teams with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment and HHC, 1st ABCT would make it to the finals since both teams had many skilled players.
The two favorites, nicknamed the "Dreadnaughts" and the "Regulators" went through the field of 14 competitors, winning with relative ease.
"I think all the Soldiers playing in the tournament, as well as those watching, had a great time," said Staff Sgt. Toloai Sosene, cavalry scout, 2nd Bn., 34th Armor Regt.
The Dreadnaughts were crowned champions of the tournament, winning two out of three games in the finals.
Sosene, a native of Pago Pago, American Samoa, said it was great winning the volleyball tournament, and said he felt it was a big success with all the Soldiers coming out to support CFC.
"It's important for Soldiers to donate to CFC charities because they give back to Soldiers and their families in times of need and help those less fortunate," said Capt. James Cerrone, commander, HHC, 2nd Bn., 34th Armor Regt.
Heuton said the event was a great success, not just in terms of getting Soldiers involved in something greater then themselves, but in seeing everyone smiling and happy.
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