Student Government Launches Adopt-A-Soldier Program

November 10, 2005

by Lori Fogleman (254) 710-6275

- Army officer to speak to students Nov. 10 about Saddam capture -

Fort Hood Army Capt. Tony Rodriguez will speak to Baylor University students about his unit's experiences in the high-profile capture of Saddam Hussein and the war in Iraq from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight in Bennett Auditorium on the Baylor campus. A question-and-answer session will follow Rodriguez's presentation.

Rodriguez's appearance also marks the launch of "Baylor Adopts," a new program sponsored by Baylor Student Government. The program will link Baylor student organizations with Fort Hood soldiers from Bravo Company 316 Field Infantry, who will soon be deployed overseas.

"I've talked with Capt. Rodriguez, and the soldiers are so excited about this program with Baylor students," said Natalie J. Cook, a senior from Katy and Student Congress public relations chair. "Students will get to correspond with the soldiers through e-mail and regular mail and also send them care packages with necessary items, like toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes and even CDs of music. Some of the things we take for granted can make a huge difference for the soldiers."

Cook said with the holidays approaching, student organizations that adopt a soldier also could do something special for the soldier's family members, who live in Central Texas.

"We encourage that as well," she said.

Interested student organizations or groups are asked to pay a $20 fee to adopt a soldier, with all proceeds benefiting the Bravo Company soldiers. The organizations will fill out a card with their contact information. The soldier, Cook said, will make the initial contact.

"The soldiers like to be able to introduce themselves," Cook said. "It makes this more special to them."

Student Government also will be selling t-shirts with the proceeds benefiting the soldiers. The t-shirts, which cost $15 each, have "Baylor Adopts" printed on the front of the shirt with a photo of the 97 members of Bravo Company below. The t-shirts will be available at Bennett Auditorium and through Student Government.

For more information, contact Cook at (713) 826-0863 or the Student Government office at (254) 710-2368.