FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Sgt. Shauntel Stewart has served in the military since joining the Army Reserves in 2002 and three years later, she went on active duty. Over the years, Stewart said the community has always given to Soldiers, and she wants to return the favor.
As a Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers representative for the 7th Transportation Battalion, Stewart championed a food drive for shelters in the area.
"We always receive help from the community. They're always doing stuff for Soldiers," said Stewart. "This time, I wanted to give back to the community."
The 7th TB collected nearly 1,700 canned goods and non-perishable items and held a battalion formation to present them to area shelters and food banks Nov. 6, in Wright Field.
Second Harvest Food Bank was on the receiving end of some of the food donations. Kamina Fitzgerald, food resource coordinator, said that Second Harvest serves seven counties, including Cumberland, Harnett, Robeson and Hoke among others and that the food bank was pleased to get the donated food.
"It was really the start of something good," Fitzgerald said. "We're going to make sure we give it to those in need in the community."
Stewart also organized a coat drive that began Nov. 2 and the battalion will distribute gently-used coats to Families in need. The 259th Quartermaster Company has agreed to wash the coats and they will be distributed to three shelters before the winter season gets underway.
Those shelters are the Save the Babies House of Refuge Maternity Home and the Edna McLaurin and Robin Meadows Transitional Housing facilities, Stewart said.
BOSS member Pfc. Sharita Sawyer, also of the 7th TB, participated in the food and coat drive.
"It makes me happy to know that we get to help people out," said the Roanoke, Va., native.
Stewart has participated in BOSS activities since 2005. As BOSS representative, she wants single Soldiers to know that there are opportunities available to become active in the community.
"I try to give single Soldiers opportunities. It's to keep them out of trouble and give them something to do, so they know that they don't have to be stuck in the barracks," Stewart said.
Helping the community is something Stewart said she plans to continue.
"It's the least we can do," she said.
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