Warriors corralled for 'Cowboy Breakfast'

By Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres, U.S. Army North PAOJanuary 28, 2011

Sharing.
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Graig Lindsey, head chef for Cowboy Breakfast Foundation, thanks Soldiers for their service and encourages them to get second and third helpings of breakfast tacos during the during the Warrior and Family Support Center's 2n... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Tacos.
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Spc. Wendy Brickhouse (left), a medic and an injured Soldier, speaks with a local community member who volunteered her time to feed breakfast to Soldiers, their Family members and the caregivers during the Warrior and Family... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Talk.
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Spc. Wendy Brickhouse (left), a medic and an injured Soldier, speaks with Robbie Halbardier (right) and Mechelle Kwader during the Warrior and Family Support Center's 2nd Annual Cowboy Breakfast Jan. 27 at the WFSC.
Halbar... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
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Taco time.
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Soldiers sit back and enjoy a breakfast taco treat during the Warrior and Family Support Center's 2nd Annual Cowboy Breakfast Jan. 27 at the WFSC. The Cowboy Breakfast, with the support of its sponsors, donated 3,000 breakfa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - While most of San Antonio began their commutes to work, the team at Cowboy Breakfast honored more than 600 gathered wounded warriors, service members and their Families here.

Cowboy Breakfast volunteers said they knew one of the best ways to show their support and gratitude for the sacrifices of the Soldiers would be donating 3,000 breakfast tacos to the Warrior and Family Support Center Jan. 27.

"The Cowboy Breakfast Board is honored to have the privilege to serve our military personnel undergoing treatment and their caregivers," said Chuck Christian, chairman of the Cowboy Breakfast Foundation.

The Cowboy Breakfast, in its 33rd year, has been a long-standing tradition in the local community and one of the main events preceding the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. Today's 2nd annual WFSC Cowboy Breakfast provided the local community an opportunity to interact with troops and continue to build upon the relationship with the military installation. In all, more than 30 local residents and city officials participated.

"I'm here to serve and honor those who serve my country," said Susan Reed, Bexar County district attorney. "This is so special and important to us because we must continue our support in our local community as 'Military City USA.'"

The mission of the WFSC team is to provide coordinated services for patients, their next-of-kin and extended Family members, said Judith Markelz, director of the WFSC. Although the primary focus is on Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors, the facility also provides support for Family members in helping to ensure they receive emotional support and answers to their medical questions.

The program's main goal is in rehabilitation, which involves learning to cope with war-related disabilities as individuals, as couples and as Families.

"It makes me feel like other people care about us Wounded Warriors," said Spc. Wendy Brickhouse, an injured Soldier, who enjoyed the breakfast and camaraderie. "We are far away from our Family and friends, and it's nice that people take time out to do things like this for us. It gives us motivation, and a positive attitude takes our rehabilitation a long way."

The relationship between the military and civilian community in San Antonio is historically one of honor, trust and mutual commitment.

"This is our way to show our appreciation to those who have served us," explained Christian. "With our sponsors' help, we were able to wake up early and begin preparing for this event. This is our second year doing it. It's a lot of work and a lot of effort, but I love it - and I am honored to do it for them."