The Daily Record

Soldiers Entertain Tots At Orphanage

Christmas and more than 30 birthday parties were rolled into one big party last Sunday when officers and enlisted men of the 327th Quartermaster Battalion, a unit stationed in the Lillington area for Exercise Southern Pine, visited the Catholic Orphanage in Raleigh which is supervised by the Sisters of Mercy.

Bearing with them ice cream, soft drinks, food and a big party cake prepared by the battalion cook, Cpl. Thurlow Driebelbis, the soldiers were greeted joyfully by the 30 children who had anxiously awaited their coming all week.

Within five minutes, Army caps, ties and shirts were being worn by the children who climbed up on the jeeps which carried the party.

RACES, GAMES, CONTESTS

Races, games and contests occupied most of the afternoon for the children. Prizes in the form of certificates, shoulder patches and non-commissioned officers' stripes were doled out by Sgt. James Fromouth of Reading, Penna., who organized the tour. The stripes had been purchased by the men, the ice cream had been secured from Southern Dairy through the efforts of Colonel Kendall J. Hatke, Battalion Commanding Officer, and the Coca-Colas had been donated by the Capital Bottling Co.

The Rev. Francis K. O'Brien, Chancellor of the Diocese of Raleigh, who welcomed the visitors, praised their generosity and interest.

"It is a splendid demonstration of real good neighborliness." Father O'Brien said. "Today has meant a great deal to these children."

From the youngest, three-year-old Joe Ferry, to the oldest children, all enjoyed the company of their new-found soldier friends. The day ended with a Western movie provided by the soldiers. There were many sad goodbyes when the soldiers left, but a promise was made that the men would return soon.

The idea for the party was conceived by Sergeant Fromouth and several buddies when they visited the orphanage in connection with the Military Field Mass held in Dunn recently.