The 916th Support Brigade commander, Col. Matthew Ruedi (center, right), holds a ceremonial check for $3,000 with his maintenance section staff, Dec. 9. The other check is for $1,000.
Continuing a tradition for the past few years, civilian employees of 916th Support Brigade donated $4,000 to support Fort Irwin families during the winter holiday season, Dec. 9.
Staff in the brigade’s maintenance section provided $3,000 for the Holiday Food Basket program and $1,000 for the Angel Tree program at Army Community Service.
The section raises funds during the year, primarily through hot dog sales at the rotational unit field maintenance area, said Joe Madrid, supervisor for the section.
The 916th commander, Col. Matthew Ruedi, said it was a tremendous gesture that shows dedication and caring for others. He said it was an example of what his brigade likes to do. He added the programs benefit young military families here with challenges and he described ACS functions as critical to Soldiers and families.
The $3,000 helped purchase 400 Christmas food baskets, bought at the Fort Irwin Commissary, which were provided to military families here Dec. 22-23, said Ray Johnson, manager of the Mobilization and Deployment Program here. Families were selected by unit leadership.
The Angel Tree program used the $1,000 to purchase toys for children of military families here, said Silvia Moreno, coordinator for Employment Readiness Program here.
“We appreciate what you do for Soldiers,” Madrid said to Moreno and Johnson.