Fort Hood Heroes honored for service, support to installation

Fort Hood recognized Soldiers and civilians Aug. 8 at Club Hood for their service and support to the military community.

Special guests attending the award ceremony included Lt. Gen. Paul Funk II, III Corps and Fort Hood commanding general, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Crosby, III Corps and Fort Hood command sergeant major. U.S. Congressman Roger Williams, congressman for District 25 of Texas, was the event's keynote speaker who expressed his support to the Fort Hood community.

Keith Gogas, deputy to the garrison commander, recognized and applauded award winners for their incredible support and desire to take care of the Soldiers and their Families that make up Fort Hood.

"Today, we recognize our outstanding individuals, teams, professionals, volunteers and our many, generous and supportive neighbors," Gogas said. "No other installation has such an incredible level of support for our community. Our relationships and shared desire to take care of our Soldiers and Families are really what make Fort Hood the Great Place.

"Those we recognize today have found their passion, give freely up their time and are totally transparent on the desire to give back to their community and they found ways to integrate their interests and skills into the needs of others," he added. "Some are volunteers, some are Army civilians, but all have one thing in common and that's their desire to serve and today, we're going to take some time to recognize their efforts."

Before the Hood Hero honorees went up on stage to receive their awards presented by Funk, Crosby and Williams, guests were provided with a buffet lunch and chances to win multiple door prizes.

This was Ricky Ford's, a motor vehicle operator for Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division, first time achieving a Hood Hero award, which was for Customer Service Excellence.

"This is my first time," Ford said. "It really feels good, it lets you know that what you do means a lot to somebody else. That comes from the heart. That means a lot.

"I did over 20 years with the military," Ford added. "So whenever you can also help out the new Soldiers coming in, just spread the knowledge and to also assist in going on their endeavor, it means a lot."

Chelsey Samide, outreach services assistant director for Child and Youth Services also earned an award for the first time; an individual award for Outstanding Commitment to a Job.

"It feels good actually," she said. "It was a little surprising but it's a good feeling to know all the hard work you put in, somebody is noticing. So it's an accomplishment, it feels good."