DONGDUCHEON, South Korea (Jan. 1, 2014) -- Forward-deployed Soldiers experienced what it's like to give to those less fortunate than themselves.
More than 70 Soldiers from 210th Field Artillery Brigade and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, delivered charcoal briquettes to less fortunate families in Dongducheon, South Korea, to support a charity event sponsored by Gyeonggi Province, Dec. 18.
Pfc. Jessica Jones, a unit supply specialist assigned to 4th Squadron, 7th Calvary Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, and a Spartanburg, S.C. native, was excited to volunteer to give back to the local community.
"To be able to help people out who do not have much makes me feel like a better person," said Jones.
Volunteers from the Dongducheon community were happy to have the Soldiers' help.
"We are thankful for the Soldiers who take their time out of their day to come here and do the things to help the community," said Gil, Tae-uel from Dongducheon.
Throughout the morning, some Soldiers hand-carried and some used wheeled barrels to bring the charcoal briquettes up steep hills and deliver them to the homes of families who need them most.
"This is only one event that we participate in," said Jones. "We also help plant trees, clean up the river when it is dirty, and make kimchi. We try to be a part of the community as much as possible. Not because we have to, but because we want to."
The Soldiers from 2nd Infantry Division have a built strong bond with the local community through volunteer programs that help make it better.
"The relationship between the [Republic of Korea] and U.S. has been very strong for a long time," said Lee, Chul-hee, a Dongducheon volunteer. "The Soldiers always come out and do things for the community, and I am very thankful."
The charcoal briquettes provide much-needed heat for homes of people who cannot afford gas or electric heat.
To view and download high quality photos from today's event, please go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/210fib/sets/72157638810157045/
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