By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Soldiers of the 1st Armored ( Devil ) Brigade Combat Team will be returning to Fort Riley from a deployment partnering with NATO allies in Europe. According to spokesperson Krystal Koch, volunteers from the Fort Riley Community are working with Operation Once in a Lifetime to supply single soldier barracks rooms with pillows, blankets, sheet sets, towels, wash cloths, shower curtains, and air fresheners.
Operation Once in a Lifetime is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization based out of Dallas, Texas. Their mission is to make the dreams of U.S. Service Members and their families come true by providing once in a lifetime experiences for the military as well as emergency financial assistance through their multiple programs.
Single soldiers returning to the barracks after a deployment come back at all hours of the day and night, and often come back to empty rooms. Many soldiers’ items are locked in storage, and after a long deployment, a long flight home, finding and picking up their baggage, reintegration meetings, and finding their room assignments, they still need to go through the process of locating their belongings and unpacking. Comparatively, married soldiers are able to walk into a home that is already established and they are more likely to be greeted by family. Operation Once in a Lifetime is providing the community with the opportunity to be that family for single soldiers. Supplying them with an already set up room means these soldiers are able to return home, and relax.
1ABCT is comprised of 7 Battalions, with an additional MP company attached to the Brigade for this deployment. There are 1,500 single soldiers returning to the barracks. The vast majority of these soldiers are young and make less than $30,000 a year. The need to purchase items to furnish their living quarters adds an additional burden to already financially vulnerable soldiers. This deployment was the first for many of these young soldiers, and was extended due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The projected cost of this project is $48,750. In order to accept a goods donation of this size, 1ABCT received JAG, Garrison, and MWR approval.
Operation Once in a Lifetime is hosting a Facebook Fundraiser for this project. All funds raised through this effort go directly towards purchasing the aforementioned supplies.
An Amazon Wish List has been set up for donors across the country to send supplies directly.
USO Kansas is helping by supplying 1,500 bags filled with hygiene supplies.
Target in Salina and Target in Manhattan donated a combined gift card total of $150. Manhattan Target Employees have committed to volunteer to help set up barracks rooms.
Members of the 1ABCT Soldier and Family Readiness Groups, 1ABCT Ready Reserve soldiers, and community members have volunteered their time to collect, inventory, and organize donations. SFRG members have also started working with Barracks managers and the 1ABCT Soldier and Family Readiness Assistant to deliver supplies as needed to the barracks.
Operation Once in a Lifetime and the community of volunteers assisting with this project need additional support to ensure that every single soldier returning to Fort Riley receives a warm welcome. As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, donations exceeding $100 to Operation Once in a Lifetime are eligible for a tax deduction. Contact Krystle Koch to participate.