Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Randy Randolph | Capt.Rod Gilliam, Chaplain, 325th BSTB, helps Cameron Strock open a "deluxe outdoor...... read more read more
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by Staff Sgt. Randy Randolph
2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division, Public Affairs
FORT BRAGG, N.C.- If anybody has a busier schedule than 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers, it's Santa Claus. One night of hauling presents throughout the world to spread Holiday joy, can make St. Nick's body feel more beat up than an earth shattering ground impact onto a field landing strip.
Thankfully, during this year's hectic Holiday season, Santa has a helper on Fort Bragg. Capt. Rod Gilliam, Chaplain, 325th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, realizes that not all families will be together this Christmas. He is doing his part to show that he cares, by bringing gifts to the children of deployed Paratroopers within his unit.
"Even though this doesn't replace the fact that Mom or Dad are gone during the Holidays," said Gilliam, "it gives our families an idea that the unit cares. This all falls under the spirit of Christmas."
The Beacon of Hope Outreach Center, a non-profit organization based out of Aurora, Colorado, sends the gifts to Gilliam through the Operation Hope "Home for the Holiday's" Program. Rev. Leo Pacheco, the program's founder, receives the gifts through donations from toy store retailer "Toys 'R Us." This is the second year that Gilliam has participated in the program.
"These are high-quality, brand-new gifts that aren't cheap." Gilliam said. "When I first heard about this program, I thought it couldn't be as good as it looked on paper. But after doing some research, I found that the Pentagon had done some background checking on Rev. Pacheco and gave him a go. Everybody wins with this. It encourages Commander's, First Sergeants and leaders to participate by delivering gifts, it just sends a good message to the families."
The message was evident on the faces of the Strock family. As Gilliam and Capt. Devin Hollingsworth, Commander, B. Co., 325th BSTB, walked to the Strock's front door on Dec. 8 with arms full of presents, they were greeted by three enormous grins. The surprised beams belonged to Nathan, 13, Adam, 10, and Cameron, 6. All of whom were told by their mother, Lynda, that there would be visitors.
"When my Mom told me someone was coming over I thought it was one of her friends," said Nathan. "Then I got this and I was like, 'cool,' I've only ever had one skateboard."
Cameron, who opened his "Deluxe Outdoor Adventure Kit" with the help of Chaplain Gilliam wasn't at all surprised by what he received.
"I expected Army stuff for Christmas, because I really like the Army," Cameron said. "I'm proud of 'em, I'm proud of my Dad, I wonder if he can use this," he said, lifting a plastic, toy compass form the packaging of his new gift.
After tearing open his "3D Space Projector," Adam, the scientist of the crew, analyzed his gift, and the situation.
"I like to study the stars and the planets," said Adam. "My Dad being gone really stinks, but you guys being here really means a lot. Thanks you guys," he said to Gilliam and Hollingsworth.
Lynda's husband, Chief Warrant Officer Darren Strock, B. Co., 325th BSTB, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technician, has missed three out of the last five Christmas'at home due to deployments. He is currently serving a one year tour in Iraq.
Lynda said that although her husband can't be home with the family for the Holidays, it makes her feel good that he belongs to a unit that is so willing to go the extra mile to show that they care.
"We feel very honored that there are people out there, other than family, that think of me and the boys," Lynda said. "Especially during this time of year, It's hard with their Dad being gone. It makes us feel happy and proud that we're a member of a unit that cares so much. It's nice to know that they take care of the Soldier, but even better that they take care of us."
For Lt . Col. James Zellmer, Commander, 325th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, taking care of Paratrooper's and their families is his number one priority.
Zellmer said that because Paratroopers within his unit deploy separately, based on mission requirements in combat theaters, it can be tough to see others enjoying the Christmas season.
"Holidays are a harder time period, there's just more stress," Zellmer said. "Especially when your husband or wife is deployed and families on your left and right have loved-ones home for the Holidays."
A father of four, with 19 years in the Army, Zellmer understands how it feels to be away from his family for extended periods of time. He said that by participating in the "Home for the Holiday's" program, he is able to boost the morale of his Troopers, by showing that he cares about their families.
"If a deployed Trooper knows that his family back here is taken care of, then he is fully able to concentrate on 100% of his mission and his duties down-range," Zellmer said. "One of the reasons why I know that this program is so important, is because it's born of my own experience. This is just one way that the Army chain of command can show they care, especially during the Holidays."
As Christmas day quickly approaches, Chaplain Gilliam will start doing more to show how he cares this Holiday season. Although he won't be sliding down chimneys, and reindeer don't drag his truck through the streets, Gilliam shares the same passion as Santa, he believes giving makes people smile.
| Date Taken: | 12.11.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 12.11.2006 12:50 |
| Story ID: | 8529 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 239 |
| Downloads: | 160 |
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