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VIADC, Inc. distributed Taste of Home treat bags to 130 VI National Guard Troops Photo Credit: VIADC, INC
The VIADC, Inc., a non-profit organization founded by Virgin Islanders residing in the metropolitan Washington, DC region, provided over 130 treat bags to the men and women of the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) during VING's mission in the nation’s capital supporting the 59th Presidential Inauguration.
Operation A Taste of Home, the brainchild of the VIADC’s Fundraising Committee, “was designed to give the visiting VI troops and fellow Virgin Islanders a reminder of home during their stay in the metropolitan Washington, DC area,” said Abigail Hutchinson, member of the VIADC Board of Directors and Chair of the VIADC Fundraising Committee. VI National Guard troops along with troops from across the country were stationed in the nation’s capital to provide security, communications, and logistical support during the Presidential inauguration.
VIADC Vice President, Kenrick Roberts, welcomed the troops, thanked them for their service, and presented a certificate of appreciation to US Army Lt. Colonel Clayton Sutton, VI National Guard 786th Battalion Commander. Ms. Hutchinson presented the Taste of Home treat bags to the troops after adding her own welcome and offered words of encouragement. The Taste of Home treat bags included a thank-you note, beef and saltfish pates, johnny cake, pick-up saltfish with crackers, assorted tarts, Vienna cake, bottled water and varied drinks in a reusable drawstring bag.
According to the release, members of the National Guard were both excited to support the Presidential Inauguration and to be welcomed by Virgin Islanders on the mainland. One of the guardsmen, Sgt. Patrick from St. Croix noted that, “The event was great, especially since we’re getting some local treats to eat while we are here in the States. It’s also great knowing that the [VI] Association is here in the States to offer this and other support.” Another guardsman, also from St. Croix, added that, “Ever since I joined the National Guard, I knew I wanted to
