FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – In a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors, the U.S. Army Operational Test Command will join its Adopt-A-School partner, Florence Independent School District, for “Make a Difference Day” Saturday at 9 a.m.

Unit volunteers will focus on improving the Elementary School’s playground with light maintenance including painting, and general clean-up at the Middle and High Schools with grounds keeping on athletic playing fields.

“Make a Difference Day is a national celebration where millions of volunteers unite in common to improve the lives of others,” said Capt. Daniel K. Jernigan, USAOTC’s occasion organizer. “This is a huge opportunity for our organization to make a difference in our local community and with our partnered Adopt-A-School, Florence ISD.”

Copperas Cove High School JROTC cadets will also join the effort.

The event is expected to last until 1 p.m.

Testing and assessing Army, Joint, and Multi-service warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, USAOTC uses typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. USAOTC is the Army’s only independent operational tester, required by public law to test major systems before they are fielded to its ultimate customer — the American Soldier.

News media interested in covering the event can arrive 9 a.m. Saturday at the Florence Elementary Parking Lot at 306 College Ave., Florence, Texas, 76527. Contact Michael Novogradac, USAOTC’s public affairs officer, at 254-288-9110, or email, michael.m.novogradac.civ@mail.mil no later than 3 p.m. Friday.