PRESS RELEASE
Army Soldiers and Their Families
Finally
Together for Christmas Party
For the first time in five years, members of a
Minnesota Army
National Guard brigade are home for the holidays
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – December 12, 2008 – Most members of the 2nd Brigade (military police) of the 102nd Division Army Reserve in Minnesota have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past five Christmases. In that time, families of the servicemen and servicewomen have held an annual Christmas party together without them.
Not this Christmas. On Dec. 14, most of the 49 soldiers will be back in Minnesota and will attend a Christmas party held in their honor at Fort Snelling from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. More than 100 people are expected to attend the annual event, which will include lunch, games and activities, and a visit from Santa Claus.
The party is made possible by The Salvation Army, the Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, and the General Vessey Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, a non-profit foundation serving soldiers and their families. Both Gray Plant Mooty and the General Vessey Chapter bought toys for the nearly 40 children expected to attend the party. Gray Plant Moody also donated thousands of dollars for catering.
“The Salvation Army is the vehicle through which these military families and wonderful organizations have been able to connect,” said Major Darryl Leedom, Commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “We are proud to support such an inspiring effort.”
The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities and is a safety net for those with no place to turn. We serve 2,100 hot meals every day and house more than 850 people every night. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
