Photos and story by Sgt. Melissa N. Lessard, III Corps Public Affairs
(Fort Hood, Texas, Nov. 17, 2021)--Nov. 17 Religious Affairs Specialists, Chaplains, and retirees joined together during the 14th annual turkey basket giveaway to assist families in need on Fort Hood by providing full scale Thanksgiving meals.
During the pandemic food insecurity has reached so many families, to include our military families. Soldiers lined up and assisted with unloading over 10 pallets of turkeys, bags of sides, and desserts to give to our Fort Hood families.
Chaplain Darren Chester, III Corps and Fort Hood Garrison Chaplain, has served in the military for 19 years. He has only been at Fort Hood since July. He said he served at Fort Bragg, Carson, and Benning. Each post had a similar event.
“If any of these folks have any worry about what the future holds, they can lay that to rest,” Chester said. “There are people out there who will take care of them.
Chaplains build spiritual readiness, resilience, and a sense of community by caring for Soldiers, Families, and others.
In addition to a season of giving, events like these help build a sense of community for Soldiers and Families on post.
“It was very satisfying and brings people together,” said Staff Sgt. Albert Flores, 11th Corps Signal Brigade religious affairs specialist and the action officer responsible for coordinating this year’s giveaway. “We support Soldiers and their needs.”
Flores explained that spiritual resilience is also an important factor in the community as it lowers depression and suicide rates.
Chaplain Chester gave thanks to the individuals who donated the food. “I need to have the same attitude and be looking out,” he said. “This is the time of year for giving. This is a reminder to take from our excess to fill the need of someone else.”
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