Jennifer Andersson Reporting
jandersson@clarsksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tn. – Soldiers with Company D (“Dragons”), 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, conducted a volunteer organizational day in city of Clarksville on Friday, Aug. 2, to give back to the community and build team unity and pride.
As a side benefit, working together as a cohesive team helps the Soldiers build team relationships and inspire Esprit de Corps.
“Partnering with local organizations allows us to not only improve the city through service projects but also to interact and get to know the citizens of Clarksville,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin Skaggs, the executive officer for Co. D. “A strong relationship between the Clarksville and Fort Campbell communities is incredibly important and volunteer projects like Friday allow us to build and foster that relationship.”
Volunteer teams conducted projects at five locations: Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Montgomery County Friends of the Shelter, Centerstone and Montgomery County Facilities and Maintenance.
“Friday’s volunteer day is just a small way we are able to say ‘thank you’ to the city of Clarksville for the many ways it supports the Fort Campbell community,” Skaggs said.
The battalion is known for its service to the surrounding communities. Each year, the battalion volunteers to raise money for Russellville’s holiday toy drive and assembles bicycles for underprivileged children.
The relationship with Russellville began in the 1970’s when the area experienced a flood. Brother Joe Carrico requested aerial assistance from Fort Campbell. Within two hours, 7th Battalion’s crew members were inbound with supplies and rescue equipment.
Since then, the battalion has certainly embodied “Selfless service,” one of the Army’s seven core values.
In 2012, more than 60 Delta Company soldiers lent their time, muscle and expertise to help seven local nonprofit organizations with various projects.