Antilles Middle School students and Fort Buchanan Religious Support Office support deployed troops

By Rosie Irizarry, Public Affairs SpecialistJuly 1, 2021

Antilles Middles School seventh graders proudly display their Fort Buchanan Garrison Certificates of Appreciation presented by garrison leadership for their commendable initiative in support of our deployed troops.
Antilles Middles School seventh graders proudly display their Fort Buchanan Garrison Certificates of Appreciation presented by garrison leadership for their commendable initiative in support of our deployed troops. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BUCHANAN, PR -- Seventh graders from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), Antilles Middle School (AMS), collected and prepared over 60 care packages for deployed Soldiers at the school’s facilities, June 15, 2021.

The initiative was a joint effort between AMS and USAG Fort Buchanan Religious Support Office (RSO). Garrison Command Chaplain (Maj.) David S. Keller contacted a deployed Chaplain to distribute the care packages downrange.

Seventh graders from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), Antilles Middle School (AMS), collected and prepared over 60 care packages for deployed Soldiers at the school’s facilities, June 15, 2021. Garrison and school leaders...
Seventh graders from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA), Antilles Middle School (AMS), collected and prepared over 60 care packages for deployed Soldiers at the school’s facilities, June 15, 2021. Garrison and school leaders pose for a group photo. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Buchanan Garrison Commander Col. Tomika M. Seaberry; Deputy Garrison Commander, Lt. Col. Brian Mandock; Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Derrick W. Hood and Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. José A. Banks, joined seventh graders Fabiola Vega, Gil Paredes, Nathanael Colón, Deric Nieves and Ana Oquendo, who led the preparation of the care packages, as well as AMS Principal, Luldes Giraud and teachers Jomary Dominguez, Verónica Pagán and Franklin Baldrick.

Each package included socks, personal hygiene items, wipes, sunscreen and hand sanitizer. Most importantly, it included notes prepared by the students, who despite the challenges posed by the pandemic solicited the articles, collected and prepared the care packages.

The initiative was a joint effort between AMS and USAG Fort Buchanan Religious Support Office (RSO). Garrison Command Chaplain (Maj.) David S. Keller contacted a deployed Chaplain to distribute the care packages downrange.
The initiative was a joint effort between AMS and USAG Fort Buchanan Religious Support Office (RSO). Garrison Command Chaplain (Maj.) David S. Keller contacted a deployed Chaplain to distribute the care packages downrange. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
“Soldiers have been fighting for us for our freedom, we just want to show them our gratitude and appreciation,” said Gil Paredes. “We are military. I can’t imagine what it is like for them to be serving, to be first responders during this pandemic,” said Deric Nieves. ”We encourage others to help the community, it is important, and harder now during the pandemic. We need to give back,” said Fabiola Vega.
USAG Fort Buchanan Commander, Col. Tomika M. Seaberry addressed the students highlighting that the initiative “is important to me. That is why I am here with my command team.” She reiterated, “You have our firm commitment to help out in...
USAG Fort Buchanan Commander, Col. Tomika M. Seaberry addressed the students highlighting that the initiative “is important to me. That is why I am here with my command team.” She reiterated, “You have our firm commitment to help out in community support efforts.” The Command team firmly believes in its motto that “We are Fort Buchanan!” (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
During the presentation of Fort Buchanan Garrison Certificates of Appreciation to the students, Col. Seaberry recalled, “When I was deployed my Soldiers and I looked forward to receiving mail. It was big deal to get a care package and more so with a hand written note. We all looked forward to them.”
Antilles Middles School seventh graders proudly display their Fort Buchanan Garrison Certificates of Appreciation presented by garrison leadership for their commendable initiative in support of our deployed troops, jUNE 15, 2021.
Antilles Middles School seventh graders proudly display their Fort Buchanan Garrison Certificates of Appreciation presented by garrison leadership for their commendable initiative in support of our deployed troops, jUNE 15, 2021. (Photo Credit: Rosie Irizarry) VIEW ORIGINAL
Command Sgt. Maj. Banks added, “When you are deployed, you are not expecting packages like these, to me, to the troops, it means a lot. It reminds us that you are here supporting us.”
Lt. Col. Mandock concluded, “This is impressive. That you all did this without prompting, on your own, is inspiring.”

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