>WACO, Texas - More than 100 Soldiers of the Texas Army National Guard did their part in stamping out hunger by helping kick off the 17th annual Food for Families drive in several counties throughout central Texas Nov. 17.
Food for Families is a food donation drive created in 1990 by television station KWTX Broadcasting in an effort to stock local food banks during needy families’ most challenging time -- the holiday season. KWTX, in partnership with the Texas Army National Guard, H-E-B Grocery Company and the Boy Scouts of America, all play a vital role in making the food donation drive a success.
Texas Guardsmen have been unofficially involved with the drive since its inception. However, it wasn’t until the Secretary of the Army sanctioned the National Guard’s involvement that it became a huge commitment by the Soldiers, said event organizer Virgil L. Teter, vice president of news for KWTX and KBTX.
“We couldn’t do it with out the Guard,” he said. “And everyone is very proud to have the Guard involved.”
The food drive spans eight counties with 18 different collection sites and all but two sites are staffed with National Guard Soldiers and the goal is to collect one million pounds of food, Virgil said.
“We have Guardsman here the day before setting up the site, putting up the fences and cones, getting traffic control, building things that need to be built,” Mr. Teter said. “They are here from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. breaking down the site. It’s very hard to find that many people that are trained and organized like the Guard is.… It’s a wonderful partnership.”
Guardsman have a unique opportunity to work alongside various school and community organizations in the day-long event; collecting dropped-off non-perishable food items, off-loading trucks of food, sorting food items and stacking boxes, all for a common goal of giving to central Texas communities.
Connie R. Williams and Evelyn J. Farney, both of Waco and volunteer members of Telephone Pioneers of America, agree.
Ms. Williams said, “It’s interesting to see different groups working together.”
“This is a rewarding experience,” Ms. Farney added. “It’s been a fine experience working with the military.”
Boy Scout Colton M. Malesovas, a 13-year-old native of Waco, feels proud to be helping his community and getting to know Guard Soldiers in the process.
“Sometimes when you’re not sure about military people, you think of them as people with big guns and not very friendly,” the Scout said. “But to see them here helping out gives me a different perspective.”
Some Soldiers have had the unique opportunity to witness first hand the expansion and monumental achievements of the Food for Families drive throughout the years.
“I been involved with Food for Families for 12 years, and this is one time that the public actually sees the National Guard supporting something that is giving to the needy population,” said Sgt. First Class William T. Graham, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems Repairer, Delta Company, 949 Maintenance Company, 36th Brigade Combat Team. “I will be back next year.”
Ten-year participant Staff Sgt. Harlan D. Moody, maintenance supply sergeant, Delta Company, 949 Maintenance Company, 36th Brigade Combat Team, enjoys seeing younger Guard Soldiers setting the example for people in the community.
“I want the younger Soldiers to get the benefit of helping other people for no other reason than just helping them,” Sergeant Moody said.
Getting the chance to see the difference the Guard makes in local communities first hand brought Pfc. Agustin J. Hernandez, signal support system specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 124th Calvary, 36th Brigade Combat Team, out to sort cans and load boxes in the warm sun.
“I do what I can,” Private Hernandez said. “I’ve never done anything like this before. It’s a new experience…. When my kids ask, ‘Dad, what have you done?’ I can say I am doing something different with my life...It’s cool.”