Soldiers performing physical fitness in early mornings are a common site to see at Fort Riley. However, this month, many units are donning red-and-white-colored hats, colored lights and have lots of bells jingling for a special session of physical fitness.
More than 200 Soldiers with the 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and 1st Sustainment Brigade rear detachment marched more than four miles through Fort Riley on the morning of Dec. 6 to donate toys for children in the community.
The fourth annual Operation Santa Claus Toy March is a program designed to provide toys to military dependent children who might not otherwise receive many toys during the holiday season.
“It is a great cause to support,” said Lt. Col. William Cain Jr., commander, 541st CSSB, 1st Sust. Bde. rear detachment.
“This is how we support our community and support our initiatives in the Pacesetter command to help people, perform our duties and take pride in ourselves.”
Throughout the march, Soldiers from the command sang Army cadences.
“It was a very successful event that helps fellow Soldiers and the community,” said 2nd Lt. Rueben Hollins, operations officer, 541st CSSB. “It’s very important to build those strong relationships and bonds that will continue to unite the community.”
Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers who are struggling financially are able to apply to receive the donations from Op. Santa through their company’s chain of command, according to Staff Sgt. Richard Reno, Op. Santa noncommissioned officer in charge.
“I would like to thank the Soldiers who have made the donations today,” Reno said. “It’s great to see the units getting involved. We really appreciate the contributions your (Pacesetters) Soldiers provided today.
By Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes
1st Sust. Bde. Public Affairs
Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres-Cortes | 1st Sust. Bde
Soldiers with the 541st CSSB and 1st Sust. Bde. rear detachment place donated toys for Operation Santa Claus after the unit marched more than four miles through Fort Riley the morning of Dec. 6.
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