Soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, unload a van full of holiday care packages December 22, destined for Soldiers deployed overseas. The packages were prepared by Microsoft employees and delivered by Seattle Recruiting Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Vylius Leskys and Battalion Senior Master Trainer Sgt. 1st Class David Hotelling.
Seattle Tech Giant, Recruiters Distribute Holiday Care Packages
By Tom Conning, USAREC, Seattle Battalion
Dec. 31, 2014
Seattle Battalion Soldiers teamed up with Microsoft this month to distribute holiday care packages for Soldiers deployed overseas.
“It’s been tradition over the past couple of years for our team holiday luncheon and festivities to also be time to embrace the true meaning of the season,” said Cindy Bates, a Microsoft division vice president. “This year it was broadly agreed the focus should be on the importance of recognizing and supporting our troops.”
Contacted by Bates to help with the pick-up, delivery and distribution of 50 packages, Seattle Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Vylius Leskys said he was glad to help.
“Efforts by the American business community to connect with its all-volunteer Army are truly valued and very much appreciated,” he said.
Bates and her employees were honored that the battalion commander attended their luncheon.
“We very much appreciated Lt. Col. Leskys personally coming to our event to receive the care packages,” she said. “On most days we hear news on the TV or radio about military happenings. His appearance helped make the abstract more tangible.”
Leskys shared his Army story and took questions from employees eager to learn more about the life of a Soldier.
“I could see the excitement of the Microsoft team, and I was touched by how caring they truly were about our Soldiers in harm's way,” he said.
Leskys and battalion senior master trainer Sgt. 1st Class David Hotelling transported the boxes to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, in time for them to be delivered by Christmas to Soldiers overseas.
By Tom Conning, USAREC, Seattle Battalion
Dec. 31, 2014
Seattle Battalion Soldiers teamed up with Microsoft this month to distribute holiday care packages for Soldiers deployed overseas.
“It’s been tradition over the past couple of years for our team holiday luncheon and festivities to also be time to embrace the true meaning of the season,” said Cindy Bates, a Microsoft division vice president. “This year it was broadly agreed the focus should be on the importance of recognizing and supporting our troops.”
Contacted by Bates to help with the pick-up, delivery and distribution of 50 packages, Seattle Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Vylius Leskys said he was glad to help.
“Efforts by the American business community to connect with its all-volunteer Army are truly valued and very much appreciated,” he said.
Bates and her employees were honored that the battalion commander attended their luncheon.
“We very much appreciated Lt. Col. Leskys personally coming to our event to receive the care packages,” she said. “On most days we hear news on the TV or radio about military happenings. His appearance helped make the abstract more tangible.”
Leskys shared his Army story and took questions from employees eager to learn more about the life of a Soldier.
“I could see the excitement of the Microsoft team, and I was touched by how caring they truly were about our Soldiers in harm's way,” he said.
Leskys and battalion senior master trainer Sgt. 1st Class David Hotelling transported the boxes to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, in time for them to be delivered by Christmas to Soldiers overseas.