Soldiers from Fort Eisenhower’s 513th Military Intelligence Brigade joined with members of the Augusta Stars for a night of bowling, pizza and a visit from St. Nick on Monday at Bolero on Washington Road.
“One of the things I like about servicemembers in general is they still like to be involved with community events,” said Lt. Col. Joe Masserini, the brigade’s deputy commander. “This is one event that we can actually get out and have fun with some others that are part of the community and are a really special group. I know the servicemembers enjoy it, and the Augusta Stars do too.”
Formed in 1995, the Augusta Stars provides teens and adults with the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics. They compete in state games and practice year-round. The Stars recently returned from the fall Special Olympics in Valdosta.
Members have been sharpening their bowling techniques ahead of the winter games which will be Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2025, in Cobb County.
They bowl weekly in the fall for about six weeks, culminating with the Christmas party. Having the soldiers join in has become an annual tradition and one that the 513th looks forward to putting on its calendar, Masserini said.
Santa gave members a Christmas ornament and candy canes while smiling and posing for photos.
Ann Way, a spokesperson for the Stars, said the team members enjoy the interaction with the soldiers.
“The soldiers give them hands up every time they do something good,” she said. “Some of them don’t have their family. They enjoy being with people that care about them.”
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here
