U.S. Army Recruiting Command Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Troy Kok visits Columbia, S.C.

U.S. Army Recruiting Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Troy Kok, from Fort Knox, Ky., visited U.S. Army Recruiting Columbia located in Columbia, S.C., this week.

 Upon his arrival, Monday, Nov. 9, Kok received a briefing from Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) members. CFF is a non-profit educational and historical 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to educating children, promoting lasting patriotism and honoring the military - past, present and future.

Brig. Gen. Troy Kok inside of one of the CFF helicopters at their hanger in Columbia, S.C.

Afterwards, he toured the CFF hangar located at the Columbia Airport. Kok, an Army aviator, discussed the nuances of the AH-1F Cobra helicopter with CFF director of flight operations and fellow aviator, Vince Stella.

Left to right.Lt. Col. Robert Garbarino, Lt. Anthony Loween, Garrett Strunga, Brig. Gen. Troy Kok

 On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Kok unveiled the newest CFF helicopter in a ceremony held at Applied Technology Education Campus (ATEC) in Camden, S.C.  "This day is all about the students and the great work they have done," said Kok. He recognized the 33 auto collision, welding, digital art and design, and graphic design students who restored Army AH-1F Cobra helicopter. Each were called forward and presented a certificate of appreciation. 

Garrett Strunga, the student graphic artist who created the design for the helicopter, received an Army coin. The design pattern traces its past to the tiger striped uniforms worn by Special Forces in the late 1950's and is used by various Air Forces that are members of the NATO Tiger Association. Strunga added Bengal Tiger stripes to reflect the fighting spirit of the Army and the Cobra helicopter.

Auto Collision Instructor David Weaver presented Brig. Gen. Kok a S.C. Palmetto Tree that was made by the welding students.

On the day before Veterans Day, Kok also took a moment to recognize all the Veterans present. Special guests included retired Maj. Gen. Julian Burns, Dr. Frank Morgan, Superintendent of Kershaw County, retired Brig. Gen. Mitchell Zais, retired Major Gen. George Goldsmith and retired Col. Sam Brick.

Unveiling of Lena, named in honor of Lena Horne the singer and actress who worked with the USO tours during World War II.

 The newest CFF helicopter is named Lena after the actress and singer Lena Horne, and serves a fitting tribute to her service to the nation. Horne worked as a USO volunteer who entertained Soldiers overseas. She was also a champion of the Civil Rights movement here in the U.S.