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Staff Sgt. James Dozier, Tacoma Mall Center recruiter, stirs a pot of carrots at the Rescue Mission’s Adams Street Campus Dec. 31. Dozier was one of several recruiters helping to feed families staying at the mission.
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Capt. Henrik Chase, Tacoma company commander, pours celery into a vat of chicken at the Rescue Mission’s Adams Street Campus Dec. 31. Chase joined several recruiters from Tacoma Mall Center who devoted part of their day to giving back to the community.
PictureSgt. 1st Class Jesse Santos and Sgt. Maurice Jones from the Tacoma Mall Center pour rice into a container at the Rescue Mission’s Adams Street Campus Dec. 31. This is the second time these recruiters have helped cook and serve food for mission patrons.
Recruiters Serve up Food in Their Community

Story and photos by Tom Conning, USAREC, Seattle Battalion
Jan. 27, 2015

The cooker opens and steam discharges, filling the air with the smell of chicken broth. Spoons clang against pots full of chopped carrots, a knife slices vegetables on a cutting board, and the murmur of kitchen staff chatting can be heard as cooks prepare lunch at the  Rescue Mission in Tacoma, Washington.

The staff today, includes Seattle Battalion recruiters from the Tacoma Mall Center who started volunteering at the mission in November.  They take a few hours out of a day once a month to help cook, clean, and serve lunch.

“We wanted to give back to our local community,” said Center Leader Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Santos. “I get self-satisfaction helping out those in need.”

The mission’s Adams Street Campus offers shelter and food for families and single women in the Tacoma area.

“It’s huge having them here,” said Frank Jackson, Program Services Division director for the mission. “We appreciate the way the Soldiers are always willing to get the job done, whether that’s cleaning or heavy lifting.”

The recruiters served the mission’s patrons before Thanksgiving and after Christmas.

“Both times have been great,” said Sgt. Joshua Way. “I believe this also helps us as recruiters. If someone comes into our office and we’re not able to help them, you can refer them if they’re down on their luck.”

Capt. Henrik Chase, Tacoma company commander, joined his NCOs in December.

“These non-commissioned officers are outstanding,” said Chase. “These guys took it upon themselves, they had their own initiative setting this up. Helping those who are helping themselves is beautiful and I think that’s all about the Army values.”