July 02, 2009 By Frenchi Jones Correspondent

This weekend’s 4th of July celebration at Fort Stewart is expected to be one of the post’s largest events in awhile since most of the 3rd Infantry Division returned from Iraq last fall.
The celebration will begin with a Salute to the Nation ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Fort Stewart’s Cottrell Field and will end July 3 on Donovan Field with a carnival, a picnic in the park, a BMX bike show, a concert featuring rhythm and blues sensation Ashanti and country music star Trace Adkins and a fireworks display.

Locals give bash a boost

For the past few months, members of the Hinesville Military Affairs Committee have been planning and preparing to help soldiers and their families celebrate Independence Day.
“The whole plan is to provide food to the soldiers and families of the 3rd ID and the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team on the 3rd of July in a food court environment, where we will have various types of foods provided by local business and organizations,” said P.J. Schneider, HMAC’s hospitality co-chairman.
“We appreciate the service of the soldiers and the sacrifices they and their families make,” he said. “We feel this is great opportunity to show that appreciation,” he added.
According the Schneider, the committee has solicited more than 25 volunteer vendors to feed 250 soldiers and family members from 4-6 p.m. on Fort Stewart’s Donovan Field.
From Chatham to Tattnall County, Schneider said businesses have answered the call.
 “We will have the Richmond Hill Exchange Club, Savannah Christian Academy, Sticky Fingers, Hooters, the city of Glennville, the Auto Super Center in Hinesville, the city of Hinesville, the Navy Federal Credit Union, Geo Vista Credit Union, The Heritage Bank, Church’s Chicken, Buffalos and McDonalds,” he said.
Those businesses are just a few of the sponsors, according Schneider.
In addition, the local chapters of various veterans’ organizations have volunteered to serve the food.
“People have really stepped up to help in any way that they can,” he said. We’re getting people from all over to help support the soldiers and their families.”
Charles Barnard, executive director for the Glennville Chamber of Commerce, said his city will sponsor a hot dog and hamburger stand, which will likely serve more than 500.
He said the city would not pass up the opportunity to help out their “friends down the road.”
 “This will be a community effort for us and everyone involved is excited about the opportunity to show appreciation for the soldiers and their families,” Barnard said.
The Heritage Bank staff will serve soldiers and their families 350 barbecue dinners. This is the bank’s fourth year participating and marketing director John Crowley said it’s something his employees look forward to every year.
“It’s definitely not anything we would miss. Fort Stewart and their families are an important part of our business and we want to give something back to them.”

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