75th Fires Brigade Gives from the heart

By Sgt. David Chapman 75th Fires Brigade Public Affairs officeJanuary 4, 2010

75th Gives from the heart
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

During the holiday season families can feel substantial financial stress when it comes time to purchase gifts for their family. The need to see the excitement in the eyes of their children as they open presents, drives many soldiers to do anything they can to give them a good holiday. Fortunately, for Soldiers of the Fort Sill community there is the Toys for Kids program supported by members of the Fort Sill Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers, the Audie Murphy Club, Moral, Welfare and Recreation and units across the post. "We provide brand new toys for military families in need. Our sole mission is to provide each child with three toys, stocking stuffers and a stocking," said Spc. Carmen Torres-Reyes, Fort Sill BOSS program vice president. "As soldiers, sometimes we all hit those rough patches and it's nice to know we are offering something to help out during those rough times." Sadly, as the holiday season was rapidly approaching, the Toys for Kids program was not confident they were going to have all the toys they would need to provide for all the families and children. But an appeal to the commanders and sergeants major of Fort Sill garnered results. The 75th Fires Brigade accepted a challenge to provide 500 toys and gift to the program and with the support of all of its soldiers and families, was able to exceed the amount they had promised. "The BOSS program president briefed me on the Toys for Kids program and how they were not even close to being able to provide the toys needed, so we knew what had to be done." said Command Sgt. Maj, Sam K. Young, 75th Fires Brigade command sergeant major. "We were able to donate 534 toys and also money. And we were happy to do it." But the brigade did not only provide gifts for the program they also provided muscle to prepare for the holiday season. "The 75th Fires has not only provided gifts, but they also provided much needed man power," commented Torres-Reyes. "That was very valuable because this center was not ready when we got it and it needed a lot of cleaning and preparation." The members of the brigade felt it was important to be able to give back to their fellow soldiers during this holiday time. "It is important for everyone to give. Soldiers are role models; they represent the Army and the nation by setting the example in everything they do," said Young. "This may even be life changing to those who are less fortunate." The Toys for Kids program has a simple message to those who either did not have the opportunity to give this year or chose not to share. "I just ask that soldiers look inside themselves and think about when you have been in a bad spot and needed help, these are your opportunities to give back a little something," said Torres-Reyes.