‘Fighting Deuce’ hosts spaghetti luncheon,
raises money for gala

Sgt. Alexander Burnett

11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs

The Soldiers of Fort Bliss have a history of fundraising to better the El Paso community. Organizing events, from car washes to food drives, raises both money and supplies for various causes in both the local and global community. 

The 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery family readiness group hosted a spaghetti luncheon fundraiser March 3 at Bldg. 2449.

Christina Darne, the 5-52 ADA family readiness support assistant, planned and coordinated the event. The luncheon began at 11 a.m. and ran through 1 p.m. Soldiers either purchased tickets from their respective batteries or some tickets were available for purchase at the event, said Sonya Mayon, the 11th ADA Brigade FRSA.

“Imperial” Soldiers enjoyed spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread, salad with their choice of ranch or Italian dressing, and water or sweet tea to drink. Cappetto’s Italian Restaurant catered all food, and FRG leaders from 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA Task Force 3rd Bn., 3rd ADA Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar; and 5-52 ADA served the Soldiers.

“The food is great,” said Sgt. Ronald Morris, a Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 5-52 ADA medic. “It’s great to get a break and enjoy this kind of meal and at the same time give back to something that is very important to all the Soldiers who deployed in this brigade.”

The luncheon raised funds for the 11th ADA Bde. Welcome Home Gala scheduled for May. The gala is being organized as an evening to recognize all “Imperial” Soldiers who deployed to the Central Command theater of operations in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

The “Fighting Deuce” Battalion raised more than $1,200 toward the gala with the spaghetti luncheon and will continue to raise funds for both the brigade and El Paso. The FRG also recently gave to the El Paso Rescue Mission. 

“This event was outstanding,” said Lt. Col. Greg Brady, the 5-52 ADA commander. “We had an incredible amount of support from the FRG leadership from the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and all the battalions.”