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Community Involvement

by Sgt. Ed Balaban, Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

Local VFW Honors AZ National Guard with Breakfast

PHOENIX (Sept. 12, 2009) - Patriotism and service can show themselves in very different ways, as was evidenced when a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post hosted a soon-to-deploy Arizona Army National Guard unit for breakfast only a day after the nation paused to remember the world-changing events of 9/11.

A few weeks ago, Army Sgt. Ryan Hinchcliff, a member of the deploying 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, called his cousin Diane Cupp, and asked if she would mind arranging a going-away event for his unit. Cupp, who is presently attending culinary school, said she would help. What began as a small event for some family and friends snowballed into an outpouring of community and business support that provided 300 meals to Hinchcliff's unit. Cupp invited the 2-285th to attend the breakfast at VFW Post #720.

"With the impending deployment and just a day after 9/11, it just seemed like the right thing to do to honor and show our support," stated Cupp.

But how does a not-for-profit organization like a local VFW post finance and prepare a 300-person meal? Cupp explained that she approached several grocery, food and retail outlets in the Phoenix area, sharing with each vendor that this event was the perfect opportunity to display support for the sacrifices of Arizona's Citizen Soldiers and their families. Food and supplies poured in from Fry's Grocery Stores, Hickman's Farms, Sam's Club, Shamrock Foods, Shreiner Sausage Co., and Wal-Mart. Additionally, about 15 of Cupp's co-workers at local business law firm Jaburg & Wilk, upon hearing of her endeavor, volunteered to help cook and serve the Soldiers.

Army Lt. Col. Greg Bush, commander of 2-285th, called for everyone's attention during breakfast and presented Cupp and post commander Nick Tamilio a command coin. In his comments, Bush expressed his gratitude to the post and all the volunteers who came out to support and feed his troops on a Saturday. Bush said simply, "It was awesome!"

Cupp was also overwhelmed by the success of the event, stating "I was amazed at the outpouring of support from the business community and the enthusiasm of those who volunteered to help." Cupp lost her Navy-veteran husband to cancer two years ago. Gazing towards her young daughter who was interacting with some of the troops, Cupp said "I want my daughter to have this connection to our military, as we are all family."

Army Lt. Col. Greg Bush, right, commander of 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the Arizona Army National Guard, presents his coin to VFW Post #720 commander Nick Tamilio, left, as event organizer Diane Cupp, center, admires her coin. Bush termed the show of support for his soon to deploy troops as "awesome!" (Arizona National Guard/ Army Sgt. Ed Balaban)

Volunteers from Phoenix business law firm Jaburg & Wilk work the kitchen and serving stations at VFW Post #720 in preparation for delivering breakfast to members of 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the Arizona Army National Guard. Community and business leaders wanted to show their support to the unit prior to its deployment next month to Iraq. (Arizona National Guard/ Army Sgt. Ed Balaban)