Toy Drop and Deliver

Photo By Spc. Zachary Stahlberg | U.S. Soldiers and family members pose for a picture after completing the ruck march during the Toy Drop and Deliver event in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 12, 2019. Over 100 Soldiers volunteered to participate in the delivery of toys for children in Haus St. Elisabeth, a children’s home in Windischeschenbach, Germany, and U.S. Army families.  

GERMANY

12.13.2019

Story by Spc. Zachary Stahlberg 

7th Army Training Command

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Soldiers and families participated in a special ruck march to formally deliver gifts for children in need during the Toy Drop and Deliver on Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 12, 2019.

The purpose of the event, organized by the 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, a field artillery battalion assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, is to strengthen ties here in Bavaria by giving back to the host nation community. During the ruck march, Soldiers and families from 7th Army Training Command, 173rd Airborne Brigade, 41st Field Artillery Brigade and U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, carried gifts to Tower Barracks.

“There are so many times where the local community has been there to support the U.S. military here in Bavaria and this is our small opportunity to give back,” said Lt. Col. Michael Tumlin, 4th Bn., 319th AFAR Commander.

The toy drop also shows a different side of the military that the German community might not see very often.

“It allows them to see that we are more than just Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Maracle, the 7th ATC Chaplain. “We are also people who are here to support our local community.”

The ruck march culminated at Tower Barracks’ Parade Field where Soldiers and families formally handed gifts beneath the garrison’s holiday tree. In coordination with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, gifts will be donated to Haus St. Elisabeth, a children’s home in Windischeschenbach, Germany, and to Army families.

Due to weather, the toy drop, a special airborne operation with multinational partners originally planned for the event, was rescheduled for the following day.

The Toy Drop and Deliver was also a community event with organizations including the United Services Organizations and Army Community Service providing support to the donation drive and on-site festivities.

• Date Taken: 12.13.2019
• Date Posted: 12.13.2019 07:06
• Story ID: 355552
• Location: DE