Task Force Raider Celebrates Christmas with Local Orphanage

Photo By Capt. Christina Shoptaw | Soldiers from Task Force Raider, 2/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, part of Battle Group Poland, spread Christmas cheer for children at a local orphanage near Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland.  

BEMOWO PISKIE, POLAND

12.15.2018

Story by 1st Lt. Christina Shoptaw 

278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard

BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland - Soldiers from Task Force Raider, 2/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, part of Battle Group Poland, spread Christmas cheer for children at a local orphanage near Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland. Knowing Christmas was approaching, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Carl Terry found a children’s home in Elk that he decided he wanted to give back to. U.S. Army Maj. Chad Hull and U.S. Army Maj. James Saunders took the idea by storm, and began to organize a way in which all soldiers from Task Force Raider could contribute if they chose to. “We came up with the idea for the Squadron to sponsor the children for Christmas, with the intent for each Troop who volunteered to participate to ‘adopt’ designated kids, and get them a gift from their wish list,” said Maj. Hull. “We were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and generosity that our Soldiers demonstrated in making sure that the kids got what they wanted, and more. We also started Facebook and word-of-mouth campaigns with folks back home, who were extremely generous in sending a plethora of gifts, clothes, and supplies for the children.”
Almost all soldiers of the Task Force Raider Tennessee National Guardsmen participated in donating money, or going to buy gifts to give to the children. U.S. Army Sgt. Keneisa Simmons, from Iron Fist Troop out of Gordonsville was one of the Soldiers who participated in the event. “I went out and picked out a few gifts that would brighten me up if I was a kid. From there, I was happy to be a part of the delivery of the gifts to the children. We loaded up the LMTVs [Light Medium Tactical Vehicle] with the gifts and set out.”
Soldiers were welcomed with cries of joy, and many laughs. The children sang Christmas songs, and presented little mementos to all who attended. Afterwards, Soldiers were treated to drinks and snacks before the real fun began. “I was thrilled when they sang the Christmas songs, and made us cakes.” Simmons said. “I will definitely remember the scream of excitement that was let out when one little girl opened a gift of mine. She told me she had been dreaming of the Barbie.”
Christmas is about more than giving gifts, but Soldiers from Battle Group Poland could feel the joy in the air by the happiness coming from all of the excited children. Every Soldier could be seen smiling, joking, or playing with different children, and it was noticeable that the children had definitely impacted the Soldiers as well. “Community service is inherent in what we do every day as National Guardsmen,” stated Maj. Hull. “As we are away from our families this Christmas, we thought this would be a great way to combine the spirit of service and Christmas in our adopted community. Based on the reactions from both the children and the Soldiers, I would say that the event was an overwhelming success.”

• Date Taken: 12.15.2018
• Date Posted: 12.21.2018 05:46
• Story ID: 304743
• Location: BEMOWO PISKIE, PL