Fort Hood soldiers return from Iraq; treated to some Texas beef and all the fixin's

By MINDY POEHL | Central Texas Edition

Alfredo Requena, from Unit 144 Air Defense Artillery, and his two-year-old son, Alfredo Jr., (hidden, close at Daddy's side) help themselves to free brisket sandwiches which were provided by the Texas Beef Council during the Fort Hood celebration, April 22, of the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse returning home from Iraq. Photo by Mindy Poehl

April 29, 2004 -- A day after troops of the 4th Infantry Division Task Force Ironhorse returned from a year's duty in Iraq, their Fort Hood homebase was turned into high spirits and a site of celebration on April 22. The long-awaited return home was marked by intense troop duty in Iraq that included the capture of Saddam Hussein but suffering losses of 79 soldiers.

The Central Texas Army post presented a hero's welcome during the celebration that included good ole' Texas cooking, named musical entertainment, children's rides, and a wide range of fanfare.

The Texas Beef Council, representing Texas cattlemen, helped welcome home the Fort Hood troops by serving 30,000 free brisket sandwiches.

"This is by far the largest event we've undertaken in a four to five hour period," said Richard Wortham, executive vice president of the Texas Beef Council.

With 87 volunteers, including cattle ranchers, HEB employees and staff from the Texas Beef Council, preparing the tent for the barbeque took three days. A large tent with an American flag printed across the top was set up, along with a chuckwagon, bails of hay and a spinning wheel full of prizes for the crowd to win. When spinning the wheel, which anyone could spin, $30,000 worth of prizes were given away. Some prizes included gift certificates to different restaurants, $100 beef gift certificates, drink Koozies and two Weber barbeque grills.

Teaming up with HEB and serving the HEB chopped product in their sandwiches, the Texas Beef Council has "a great partnership with HEB," Wortham said.

The day's festivities began at 9 a.m. with the uncasing of the Fourth Infantry Division colors. At 11 a.m. the carnival opened and celebrities began performing patriotic concerts lasting until midnight. Some celebrity guests were Jessica Simpson, Ludacris, Drew Carey, Gary Sinise, John Michael Montgomery, WWE Superstars, Lynrd Skynrd, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Mercy Me, and Randy Travis. Free food and beverage tents were opened at noon.

The Texas Beef Council staff got to their tents at 5:30 a.m. to finish setting up and did not quit serving sandwiches until 8 p.m.

"I am thankful for everyone's contributions today, and I know the rest of the troops are, too," Alfredo Requena, a soldier in Unit 144 Air Defense Artillery said. "My wife and I are having fun today with our kids."

Although this event took much planning, "We couldn't do anything more important than honoring the troops and their families," Wortham said. " We want to say thanks from America's beef product for a job well done."