Early in April, the Sacramento Chapter voted to donate $1,000.00 to military personnel in the Sacramento area. We wanted to help folks from our hometown. This sounds like a very simple thing to do. Not on your life. After contacting nearly every military organization, we were told that, yes they would accept the money, but we couldn’t specify where it was to be spent. Finally, I spoke with Tom Blackwood who suggested I call Soldier and Family Services and speak to Vicki Camron Spigner. Vicki was thrilled to hear from us and wanted the donation, but she had to get approval from her commander to take the money. You see, you can’t specify how the money is to bespent. Well, Vicki went above and beyond to get the needed funds for her group. A special account was set up for the money. The only stipulation was geographical.

If we had said we wanted to donate only to women or men or Hispanic soldiers, the Armywouldn’t have taken the money.So, after numerous phone calls and e-mails, we invited the Army representatives to our June 10 meeting so we could present the check. The Sacramento Army Recruiting Battalion, was represented by Major James M. Guterrez, Battalion Commander, Captain Chris Dunlap, Sacramento Valley Commander, Captain Dennis Wheeler, South Sacramento Commander, and Vicki Camron Spigner, Sacramento Battalion Soldiers and Family Assistance Program Manager. Captains Dunlap and Wheeler told us how the money would be spent. The money would go to welcome new families to the area, gift baskets for new mothers, and if a soldier or a member of their family dies, then money would go to them for flowers, etc.

Two things touched me most about this experience. First was the fact that this was considered by the Army to be an extraordinary gift. Why doesn’t everyone want to make life easier for the folks who defend us? Second, was Major Guterrez’ presentation of the Battalion’s Coin of Excellence. This coin is given to Battalion members and persons who do service to the battalion. If you want to see the coin, just ask me. If you are in the Sacramento area, I’ll carry the coin with me as a cherished reminder of these brave men and women in our armed forces. After our guests left and the meeting carried on, we discussed the possibility of making this an annual contribution from the chapter. The Army is not allowed to solicit funds which must make fund raising difficult. Hint....Hint.........
“In helping others, we help ourselves, for whatever good we do completes the circle and comes back to us.....Flora Edwards.”