Photo by Sgt. Nicole Howell/40th PAD Enoch Jackson sits behind the wheel of the bobtail truck that was dedicated in memory of his father, Sgt. Issac Jackson who was killed in action.

A national gas company with a local office in Fayetteville decided to give back to the local community by giving a significant monetary donation to the USO of North Carolina at Fort Bragg June 4. The donation is one way they are showing support to the armed forces.

Ferrellgas, a national propane gas company, donated $10,000 to the USO of North Carolina as a way to give back to the servicemembers for their dedication and sacrifice.

Michael Ratkowski, the general manager of Ferrellgas in the Fayetteville area contacted the USO of North Carolina when he realized that there was a USO center on Fort Bragg.

“When I was in the 82nd Airborne Division back in 1999, there was not an established USO on Fort Bragg,” said Ratkowski. “I was searching for a way to support our troops in this area and was happy to find the USO on Fort Bragg.”

Last year, Ferrellgas decided to donate one cent of every gallon delivered to their customers to support the USO of North Carolina, said Ratkowski.

The USO is a non-profit organization used to support the armed forces and their Families through programs and events.

“I am humbled by the generosity of companies and individuals,” said retired Lt. Col. John Falkenbury, president of the USO of North Carolina.

In addition to the donation, a Ferrellgas bobtail truck was dedicated in memory of Sgt. Issac Jackson, who was the son-in-law to a Ferrellgas employee and a Lathrop, Mo. native. The bobtail truck was painted in a desert camouflage pattern with the words, ‘In memory of Issac,’ on the driver’s door.

“When I found out that there was a truck dedicated in my husband’s name I was floored,” said Kristen Jackson, the widow of Issac and mother of his two children. “He was a great husband and father, who loved serving in the Army.”

“It is a hard time for us right now, said Kristen with tears in her eyes. “This is when Issac was supposed to be on his way home. Other than that, the Family is doing pretty good.”

The Family has a great support system, she added. Ferrellgas has done a lot for everyone.

The USO of North Carolina relies on North Carolinians to help keep them a self-sustaining organization, said Falkenbury. Individuals can donate through the Combined Federal Campaign to the USO of North Carolina by using the numbers 29349 on their donation slip or by texting 50555 on their cell phones to make $5 donations, he added.

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