Army units donate more than 8,000 pounds of food to The Food Basket

Giving back to the Big Island community that supports it is an important mission for Pōhakuloa Training Area. Units training at the U.S. Army garrison donate excess food to island nonprofit organizations when possible.

Units at Pōhakuloa for the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability exercise recently donated more than 8,000 pounds of fresh food and vegetables, including apples, oranges, cucumbers, pears, salad mix and much more, to The Food Basket, Hawai‘i Island’s food bank. The Dakota Forward Support Company 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment Field Feeding Team spearheaded the effort.

“I worked with my brigade and division team to make sure we had the proper documentation, and the food was inspected,” said Staff Sgt. Barry Johnson, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Field Feeding Team. “Donating to the community is extremely important to me and The Food Basket gives us the opportunity to make sure food gets to the hands that most need it.”

The Big Island has always been a key supporter of the 25th Infantry Division, said Maj. Angel Torres, officer-in-charge of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s Exercise Support Group. This was just a small token to show appreciation for that support.

“Here at Pōhakuloa Training Area we are so glad to give back to our community in this way. Community is so important to us and we’re always looking for opportunities to partner” said Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin, garrison commander at Pōhakuloa. “As a member of this wonderful community, being a good neighbor is one of our top priorities.”