FORT CAMPBELL, KY. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Over 150 21st Brigade Engineer Battalion soldiers, with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Rakkasans, of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) took to the streets of Fort Campbell Wednesday morning to help those who are hungry in the community.
The soldiers, joined by family members and their pets, walked from the battalion headquarters to the Division Parade Field and back with rucksacks filled with food. The soldiers had purchased and collected all of the items which will be donated to Loaves & Fishes in Clarksville.
“We’re having a fun ruck and we’re going to donate the food to those that need it here in Clarksville,” said Captain Joshua Portwood, chaplain for the battalion. “We want to give back to the community. It’s a great place to live, Clarksville is very supportive of us and the mission we have and it’s a great opportunity to give back.”
Speaking Wednesday morning, Portwood thanked the soldiers and their families for finding a purpose greater than their own and be willing to answer the call, donating their time, their finances, and food to help people out.
Dr. Rita Burnett, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes said the Rakkasans donated two truck loads of food. “When they totaled everything up we had well over 1,300 pounds of food which translates to about 620 meals that we will be able to provide to our clients,” said Burnett.
Burnett added that the organization was grateful and thankful for the generosity of those who serve our country in so many ways.