'Fort Hood Community Strong' set for Friday
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 10 2009 02:25 AM
By Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily HeraldFort Hood and local community members are invited Friday to Fort Hood for a day of reflection, education and fun.
The post, joined by USO; Fort Hood Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, is hosting "Fort Hood Community Strong," part of an initiative to help the area move forward from the Nov. 5 mass shooting that left 13 dead and more than 30 wounded.
The day includes activities for families and performances by Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, comedian Dana Carvey, rapper Chamillionaire and the Zac Brown Band.
It's also a way for soldiers, families and community members to stop and take a break. Fort Hood has been churning because of deployments and busy schedules for the last seven years, Col. (promotable) John Rossi said.
"What can we do to help?" was the most frequently asked question officials heard in the days and weeks following the shooting, Rossi said. Friday includes a ceremony to recognize local community members, organizations and businesses for their contributions to Fort Hood during that time.
Those include H-E-B, which raised more than $280,000 for the Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army fund for Nov. 5 victims and families.
USO stepped to the plate once officials learned about the post's intentions, said Robin Crouse, USO Fort Hood center.
"This day is meant to bring our community together – soldiers, family members and the greater Fort Hood community to just have fun and relax," Crouse said. "USO is proud to partner with so many to bring this day to the soldiers and families of the Great Place."
The event is set to take place from 1 to 7 p.m. at Hood Stadium, and it is free and open to the public. The day will feature free carnival rides, games and food, including sandwiches, chips, ice cream and drinks served from the H-E-B Mobile Kitchen.
Also scheduled to appear are National Hot Rod Association Army car driver Tony Schumacher, Mallory Lewis and "Lamb Chop," Bonzo Crunch the clown, the Houston Texans Cheerleaders, STAIND lead singer Aaron Lewis and Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.
Jonas is set to visit Meadows Elementary School and Smith Middle School Friday morning.
For more information on how to support the USO and Fort Hood, go to
www.usocommunitystrong.org. Those who attend Fort Hood Community Strong can post photos at
www.flickr.com/groups/usocommunitystrong.
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at
astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.
'Fort Hood Community Strong' schedule:
1 p.m.: Opening ceremony. national anthem, recognition of distinguished guests and donors, awards presentation and Tony Schumacher trophy presentation
1:15 p.m.: Aaron Lewis from rock group STAIND performs acoustic set
1:45 p.m.: Chamillionaire
2:55 p.m.: Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band
4:55 p.m.: Dana Carvey
5:10 p.m.: Zac Brown Band
6:30 p.m.: Awards presentation and event conclusion
The schedule is subject to change. For more information, go to
www.hoodmwr.com.
Prohibited items include explosive weapons, firearms, knives, clubs, brass knuckles, glass containers (except baby bottles), pets, alcohol, fireworks and backpacks. Diaper bags are allowed.