KILLEEN, Texas -- Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, took time out to volunteer at Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children here, Oct. 4.
Thirty Soldiers volunteered their time cleaning buildings, gardening, grinding stumps, and removing brush from the 120 acre facility. Volunteers were ecstatic to provide their time and efforts as they learned about Peaceable Kingdom's mission and impact on children throughout Texas.
Since 1984, Peaceable Kingdom has provided a place of solace for children who are chronically ill, children with disabilities, and their families. The retreat specializes in modifying activities for children with visual impairments, Prader Willi Syndrome, missing limbs, and other various neurological differences.
More than 5,000 visitors play basketball, go hiking, zip lining, fishing, and swimming at the retreat annually. Campers can even watch movies on a giant theater-sized screen in the camp theater. Peaceable Kingdom is truly a place where children are empowered, differences don't exist, and no one leaves unchanged.
"It was extremely gratifying to learn about the mission of Peaceable Kingdom and know that our work was helping an organization that contributes so greatly to children in our community," said Capt. Eric Lewis, a mobilized Army Reservist, who also serves as an elementary school teacher in Killeen Independent School District. "Additionally, it was a great way to build unit cohesion and esprit de corps."
Dragon Strike Soldiers were praised by Peaceable Kingdom's staff for helping them accomplish more than two months worth of work in four hours.
The Dragon Strike Battalion is committed to building strong bonds with local organizations and leaving a long-lasting positive impact on the surrounding community.
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