Supporting Community with Food Donations

By Amy PhillipsNovember 8, 2022

3BCT food donation
The Dakota Forward Support Company 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment Field Feeding Team donated more than 8,000 pounds of fresh food and vegetables (apples, oranges, cucumbers, pears, salad mix, and much more) to The Food Basket – Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank based in Hilo. Courtesy photo. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

When possible, Army units training at U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area donate excess food to local non-profits such as “The Food Basket – Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank,” and others, to support our local community. Units training at PTA for the historic Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability (JPMRC) exercise recently donated more than 8,000 pounds of fresh food and vegetables (apples, oranges, cucumbers, pears, salad mix, and much more) to The Food Basket, which is based in Hilo, but supports the entire island

The Dakota Forward Support Company 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment Field Feeding Team spearheaded this effort to reduce food spoilage and enhance relationships with the local community.

“I worked with my Brigade and Division team to make sure we had the proper documentation, and the food was inspected,” said Staff Sgt. Barry Johnson, the non-commissioned officer in-charge of the Field Feeding Team. “Donating to the community is extremely important to me and The Food Basket gives us the opportunity to make sure food gets to the hands that most need it.”

“The local community has always been a key supporter to the 25th Infantry Division and this is just a small token of appreciation to the local community,” said Maj. Angel J. Torres, the Officer-in-Charge of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s Exercise Support Group.

“Here at Pohakuloa Training Area we are so glad to give back to our community in this way. Community is so important to us and we’re always looking for opportunities to partner” said Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin, U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa Training Area Garrison Commander. “As a member of this wonderful community, being a good neighbor is one of our top priorities.”