Christmas Brunch shows appreciation for local National Guard
<p>Local members of the 145th Brigade Support Battalion were treated to a Christmas Brunch Saturday at the armory.</p>
Members of the Idaho National Guard 145th Brigade Support Battalion across north Idaho were treated to a Christmas brunch on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Simultaneous brunches occurred at 8 a.m. at the Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Post Falls armories. Mountain Lakes Bible Church from Coeur d’Alene hosted the breakfast at all armories with over 30 volunteers ensuring a memorable breakfast for the 142 soldiers throughout north Idaho. The Guardian Foundation of Post Falls sponsored the brunch by covering the cost of the food.
“We do breakfast to let the military know we appreciate them,” said Pastor Dave Bruyepte, who previously was a pastor in Bonners Ferry. In previous years, the Family Readiness Program has hosted Christmas parties at the armories but this year things changed, said Bruyepte.
The Family Readiness Program ensures the needs of soldiers and their families are met. Bruyepte, who has been leading the Family Readiness Program for five years, explained they help with Christmas toys, firewood, places to stay, providing advice and more. Bruyepte keeps a list of people willing to help the families, including plumbers, electricians and mechanics, that he can call when a family needs help.“We’re doing the best we can to serve our military families,” said Bruyepte.
If you would like to help military families this Christmas or throughout the year, call Pastor Dave at 208-691-5587.