FORT SILL, Okla.- Giving back to the Lawton-Fort Sill Community is something the Soldiers of 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade are glad to do and being able to support the community that supports them is a top priority of the brigade command team.

Last month the Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade recently had a chance to give back to their community and assist those in need over Thanksgiving. The battalion began in early September by collecting canned foods to donate to the Lawton Food Bank for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season.

To add a little competitive spirit to the food drive, the food was presented in the form of Thanksgiving themed displays, as part of a competition for the overall best display. They were each judged by the battalion command team as well as the President of the Lawton Food Bank, Pastor Bill Schneider.

Creativity and quantity of donations was the criteria for the winner, the displays ranged from writing "A 3-2" in canned goods to creating a giant piece of pumpkin pie out of cans, complete with a dollop of whipped cream. Bravo Battery, 3-2 ADA was named the winner for their display, which featured a bin decorated with faux turkeys and doves.

"The food drive was definitely a great cause and a way to give back to the community," said Spc. Curtis Williams, a Soldier assigned to 3-2 ADA. "Helping out those who are less fortunate definitely gives you a reason to smile."

3-2 ADA Battalion Commander, Lt. Col John Dawber, presented the donations to the Lawton Food Bank with the sincere hope that the donations would help several families in need. In all the battalion donated a total of over 2,600 pounds of food which was enough for 2,166 meals.

The Soldiers then loaded the donations into the food bank truck, which was almost overflowing with canned goods when the donations were completely loaded.

The Soldiers of 3-2 ADA were grateful for the opportunity to give back and support their community and neighbors this holiday season.