WIESBADEN, Germany - They say the best things in life are free – and that was certainly true at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center on Dec. 12.
Soldiers from units throughout U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden enjoyed a free pizza lunch, cake and bowling as part of the Family and MWR Soldier Appreciation Meal Sponsored by Serving Heroes.
“It’s a really great program,” said Holly Strout, Wiesbaden Family and MWR Commercial Sponsorship and Advertising Manager. “The Gary Sinise Foundation provides complete sponsorship of the Soldier Appreciation Meal.”
“It’s a great morale building event,” Strout said, adding that through the generous support of the Gary Sinise Foundation, they can serve up to 300 Soldiers each meal.
“If the need is ever greater, we can look into that,” she said.
“We learned about it through word of mouth,” said Pfc. Jaxon Gastiaburo, 228th Brigade Support Company, 2nd Multi Domain Task Force. “It’s very expensive out here and when you can get a free meal it’s like ‘Wow.’”
“I think it’s a cool program,” said Spc. Elyssa Edwards, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, explaining that she became aware of it through email notification from her Command Sergeant Major and other channels.
“I heard about it from my BOSS representative. I came here because I heard there was free food,” said Cpl. Kniel Rivera, 66th MI Bde.
“The bowling is nice too,” said Pvt. 2 Jeniel Leslie, 228th BSC, 2nd MDTF.
Explaining that she would spread the word among her fellow service members, Spc. Celyness DeJesus, 2nd MDTF added, “We’re going to come here together next month. Next time we’ll definitely volunteer to help.”
“Holly brought the idea to us (BOSS) and said ‘I have this awesome idea for an event,’” said Spc. Kevin Alanis, BOSS President.
“I did it at Tyndall Air Force Base and then when I got to Korea,” said Strout, explaining that representatives from the Gary Sinise Foundation did everything possible to make the program a success.
Actor Gary Sinise has been a staunch supporter of Soldiers and their Families through his foundation, the Lt. Dan Band and other projects.
The next Family and MWR Soldier Appreciation Meal Sponsored by Serving Heroes will be featured at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center on Jan. 9, 2024. To get involved as a volunteer, stop by the Warrior Zone. For more information on the program, visit: https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/calendar/event/serving-heroes-free-bowling-and-pizza/6272412/84851.
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