Smiles, cookies, jingle bells

By Sgt. William HowardDecember 15, 2014

Smiles, cookies, jingle bells
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Bryon Spence (left), forward observer and Sgt. Jesse Negrete (right), forward observer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, give jingle bell... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Smiles, cookies, jingle bells
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Wisely, fire support platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, takes a knee to greet a resident of the Trinid... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Smiles, cookies, jingle bells
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Bryon Spence, forward observer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, presents a basket of jingle bell ornaments to a resident of the Trinidad... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Smiles, cookies, jingle bells
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Jesse Negrete, forward observer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, makes a new friend at the Trinidad Inn Nursing Home, Dec. 3, 2014. Thi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Smiles, cookies, jingle bells
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Bryon Spence (left), forward observer and Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Wisely (right), fire support platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry D... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Smiles, cookies, jingle bells
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Adam Moreau, forward observer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, visits with residents of the Trinidad Inn Nursing Home in Trinidad, Color... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

TRINIDAD, Colo.- Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, brightened the day for many residents of the Trinidad Inn Nursing Home, Dec. 3.

This is an annual event hosted by the Mount Carmel Health, Wellness and Community Center, in Trinidad, Colorado.

"I think it makes it a special day for them," said Marty Hackett, administrative assistant, Mt. Carmel Center. "It gives them a little sunshine and joy in their everyday routine."

The four Soldiers visited with the elderly residents of the nursing home and passed out cookies and small jingle bell Christmas ornaments.

"They were smiling, saying 'thank you so much for coming because it made my day' and basically showing their appreciation for our visit," said Sgt. Bryon Spence, forward observer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Bn., 12th FA Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div.

The day concluded at the Mt. Carmel Center where the Soldiers, Santa Claus and an elementary school choir entertained guests during an open house.

"Giving back to the community is a big part of the characteristics that we maintain in our platoon," said Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Wisely, fire support platoon sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Bn., 12th FA Reg., 1st SBCT, 4th Inf. Div. "Having the opportunity to come down today and visit with the residents of the Trinidad Nursing Home is something that allows us to give back to the community, broaden our horizons and carry on the tradition of respecting our elders."

Mt. Carmel Center's mission is to provide integrated healthcare, wellness and community spirit by creating partnerships that not only attract businesses but also cultural and social opportunities. For information on how to support or donate to the nonprofit organization, please visit www.mtcarmelcenter.org.