Soldiers serve Thanksgiving dinner to parents, students at Bliss Elementary

Soldiers from Fort Bliss joined volunteers from the

community to assist with the annual Thanksgiving

dinner for parents at Bliss Elementary Nov. 10.

The dinner has become a tradition that allows students and

staff at the school to share a Thanksgiving lunch with parents

ahead of the Thanksgiving break.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery,

11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and 4th Battalion, 1st

Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team,

1st Armored Division, participated in decorating and serving

dinner. The Soldiers helped decorate bulletin boards in the

hallway and dining room, which quickly brought the school

into the holiday season.

"Serving is giving to something beyond yourself," said

Pfc. Jacob Evans, 2nd Bn. "We only do things -- great things

-- when we are united."

Traditional Thanksgiving meal smells invited parents, staff,

volunteers and students to share a meal together.

"I like volunteering because I like working with younger

kids," said Spc. Victoria Lamm, 2nd Bn. "They think being in

the Army is cool."

Pfc. Kurtis Mathey, another volunteer, talked about patriotism

while eating with his friends from 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA,

after the students, parents and staff had been served.

"Patriotism grows on you along with pride for what you are

doing," Mathey said. "It's important to give back. I wouldn't

be here if no one gave to me."

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