Guard supports 3rd annual Cape BACA Kids Fair

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Soldiers of the Headquarters Company, 1140th Engineer Battalion and Company E Recruit Sustainment Program recently supported the Bikers Against Child Abuse of Southeast Missouri Chapter's 3rd annual Kid Fair.

"We couldn't do this event without the Guard," said Larry Burrous, co-chair for the BACA. "They contribute a lot and make this event so much bigger for the community."

Supporting the community is one of the main goals for the Missouri National Guard, said Staff Sgt. Steven Bell.

"We can do so much for our community beyond deployments and state emergency duties," said Bell, a recruiter at the Cape Girardeau armory. "The Soldiers really enjoy participating in events like this because it's for a greater cause and we get to interact with people we may not get to interact with in our normal Guardsmen jobs."

The Guard supplied several blow-up obstacle courses, Humvees and water for the kids to enjoy.

"I can't say enough about these Soldiers," said Burrous. "With the Guard here it lets people know that we're serious as an organization. We ride bikes and support kids. The guard is a perfect partner to getting the positive word out for the kids."

The Guard joined other advocate groups to support the free event, including the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau, Big Brother and Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, Court Appointed Special Advocate Association of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, and the Lynwood Baptist Church.

"It's great to see so many organizations come together for a good cause and the Guard is a part of that team," said Bell. "The Soldiers love volunteering their time, especially for children of the community, and everybody walks away from the day a winner."

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