Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Toy Drop 14.1: San Antonio


Soldiers from the 341st PSYOP Co. from San Antonio visit the Fisher House during Operation Toy Drop 14 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, on December 5, 2011. The Soldiers delivered toys and talked with children about their jobs during the visit. This is the first year Operation Toy Drop will help children throughout the nation. To learn more visit www.optoydrop.net (U.S. army photo by Staff Sgt. Felix R. Fimbres)

The following is a reflection on the day from USACAPOC(A) Public Affairs photographer, Staff Sgt. Felix R. Fimbres:

This was San Antonio's first time being a part of Toy Drop, and it was certainly different than how we do things at Fort Bragg.

Thanks to the help of the Kids Wish Network, the San Antonio Toy Drop had enough toys to deliver to two orphanages and the Fisher House at Lackland Air Force Base.

Of course, playing the role of Santa’s Helper means the kids can't see their presents before Christmas. The Soldiers at the 341st decided to bring out their Humvee and play with the kids while toys were delivered behind the scenes. It was pretty amazing to see the kids laughing and having fun with the Soldiers. The Soldiers I spoke to all said they were happy to be a part of something so special, and being able to combine it with Army training made it a win-win event for everyone involved.
  
Having never been to San Antonio, the Public Affairs team ended up driving all over the city trying to find the right places and times for the deliveries. By the time we got to the Fisher House the 341st had already been there for a little while interacting with the kids.

We quickly jumped out of our car and began snapping photos like crazy, because we knew they had to leave soon.

I got on top of the Humvee for this one, the kids had been taking turns sitting in the gunner's seat turning the turret and having a blast, under the watchful gaze of the nearby military information support Soldier of course.

This year, Texas will be making another big splash during Toy Drop, with three units delivering to five cities all over Texas.

                                                -Staff Sgt. Fimbres

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