DRAGOON RAIDERS SOLDIER AND FAMILY FUND

Programs: With our organization we were able to purchasing a dog kennel to transport the pet of an injured soldier home to his family so his spouse could fly to germany to assist him in the healing process.

our organization implemented the use of a "food pantry" of non-perishable items to be available to all 4/2 sbct families in need. These items included cereal, baby foods, baby formula, pasta's, canned goods, and all other types of non-perishables.

during 4/2 sbct's recent deployment our organization provided cake, door prizes, entertainment, and table decorations for a valentines day event called, "denim & heels". It was our intention to help raise moral and support the spouses of deployed and rear detachment soldiers with 4/2 sbct. It was held on 13-feb-10.

in support of the primary next of kin and their families, the raider fund sent peace lily's preceding the deaths of several active duty service members of 4/2 sbct.

the brigade purchased tee-shirts to be presented to all soldier's wounded in action during the current combat deployment. The tee-shirts depict our unit crest and are given to the soldiers during their recovery process to support, encourage, and remind them - they are not forgotten and continue to be an active part of our brigade.

as the 4/2 sbct deployment neared its end and the redeployment process began, the brigade began planning for their return. In support of the single soldiers of 4/2 sbct who would be returning to fort lewis barracks rather than their family homes, we planned for items to be purchased to make their welcome home more warming. The raider fund purchased food items, bottles of water, sheet sets, towels, and toiletry items for all single soldiers of 4/2 sbct.

our organization purchased landscaping flowers and plants for the general upkeep of the brigade memorial throughout the year. We also purchased a floral wreath to be placed at the memorial site specifically for the redeployment ceremony in october 2010.

our organization granted all battalions of 4/2 sbct with 100. 00 for food and refreshments for "mod 0 training". Mod 0 training was training that provided education and support to all spouses of 4/2 sbct deployed soldiers. Training was intended to help bring awarness to the reintegration process and educate spouses on what to expect mentally, emotionally and physically in the days, weeks, and months following the redeployment process.