Push-Ups or Pancakes

Yesterday, I had the privilege of volunteering at probably one of the coolest events I have ever seen. Every year Smucker's holds a contest and awards one military base with a free breakfast event for active duty military, retirees and family members called Push Ups or Pancakes (it took place during PT hours hence the name). This year the Fort Bliss Commissary was lucky enough to win the contest.

Last year Fort Sam Houston successfully fed over 12,000 people and we knew that we wanted to beat that goal. Well we did and then some! We fed over 19,000 military members and their families. Smucker's provided everything from pancakes, muffins, sausage, biscuits, water, coffee, juice and other items. Other companies were generous enough to donate a slew of free stuff for everyone to take. There were items such as kcups, spatulas, peanut butter, jelly, cakes mixes, golf tees, shirts, mugs and a bunch of other items.

This was my view at 6am, I was assigned to the iced and hot coffee tent (well one of 4 coffee tents). We had a blast, we joked and laughed the entire time.

We even got pictures with the Uncrustable guy and Cuppy from Dunkin Donuts.

After the event was over volunteers were allowed to get anything we wanted. I walked out of there with 7 cases of kcups, juice, sparkling water, jelly, peanut butter, pencils, shirts, golf tees, coffee mugs, etc. The generosity of these companies was absolutely outstanding. I am sending 2 cases of coffee to my sister and the rest is going to the soldiers at Kyle's company.

I hope that anyone affiliated with the military gets to experience an event like this. It was an honor to volunteer and say thank you to all those that give so selflessly.

Thank you Smucker's for supporting the military community the way you do.