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Tropic Lightning -- 26 April 2001
 Photo(s) by Kara McCarthy SSG Christopher Norris, 1st BN., 27th IN Rgt scout, rappels off Diamond Head  Scouts from 1st BN., 27th IN Rgt., rappel off Diamond Head. These soldiers participated in Make A Difference Day by cleaning debris off Diamond Head. | Soldiers receive $10,000 for charity By SPC Kara McCarthy, Staff Writer Some 25th Infantry Division (Light) scouts made a difference that paid off in dividends. The Newman's Own Inc. awarded Schofield Barracks $10,000 Tuesday, in recognition of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, scout platoon's Make A Difference Day contribution -- cleaning up Diamond Head. More than 2,000 Soldiers, family members and Department of Defense employees on Oahu participated in Make a Difference Day October 28, 2000. The program began in 1992 by USA Weekend Magazine and in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation with the sole purpose of improving America’s communities. There were more than 80 volunteer projects such as cleaning Oahu's streams, parks, schools and visiting terminally ill children on Make A Difference Day. However, it was the scouts working on the Diamond Head project that got the attention of actor Paul Newman. Each year, Newman donates $10,000 to the charities of each of the 10 Make A Difference Day Award recipients, which is to go toward a non-profit organization. A committee representing the command group voted March 22 to split the winnings between the Hawaii Food Bank and Fisher House Tripler Army Medical Center. "I hope our Oahu communities realize that the Army in Hawaii is made up not only of Soldier's training for conflicts and wars but people who are here to really make a difference in all their lives," said Janet J. Bamford, Schofield Barracks' volunteer coordinator. For five hours, Soldiers rappelled off Diamond Head, carrying trash bags which they used to collect debris. "We spent most of the time picking up the trash that people lost off the cliff," said Spc. John Olier, HHC, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt. "We found a lot of stuff, such as a wallet, bottles and a camera. We also had a really good time doing it. We were helping out the community and people were getting enjoyment watching us rappel." Pfc. Christopher Izquierdo, HHC, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt. said he enjoyed cleaning up Diamond Head because the Hawaiian islands are his home, at least while he's stationed here. "We live here," he said. "We may just be stationed here, but for a lot of us -- this is home. So, I feel that I have to keep up my home." Staff Sgt. Christopher Norris, HHC, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Rgt., said that he's glad the skills can help not only in a combat situation, but also in the community. He also said, "I’m glad our training can benefit Hawaii, and I hope the money helps a lot of people." |
