Five Hills royalty collect for military working dogs

Special to the Leader-Press

Copperas Cove Five Hills Junior Ambassador Kaydence Roberts is literally going to the dogs and she is taking her sister royalty with her.  This time, the pint-sized beauty queen who has raised thousands of dollars for the Copperas Cove Animal Shelter, has turned her attention to helping our nation’s four-legged heroes who are serving in combat on the other side of the world in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Roberts and the Copperas Cove Five Hills royalty manned both entrances of Walmart on Sunday and handed out specific lists of items that Fort Hood soldiers assigned to the 89th Military Police Battalion were requesting for their faithful companions who are serving with them downrange.  The items included rough play toys for the large dogs, treats, good smelling shampoo, and things to keep the dogs calm as they were boarding the helicopters during transport. 
“I wanted to do this because I love animals and these dogs are serving just like the soldiers are and I want them to have nice things too like toys and treats so they get rewarded also,” the 10 year-old said. 
Roberts comes from a family of service.  Her father is currently assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division.  Her grandparents and great-grandparents served in the military.  So, hosting the event for military dogs was an easy connection for Roberts whose platform of service during her year-long reign is helping animals.   
Roberts started the event last year and experienced overwhelming success. Sunday was no different. 
She and the royalty collected in total $1,000 in cash and a total of seven carts of pet supplies. 
These will be delivered to the 89th Military Police Brigade at Fort Hood for transport to military dogs and their handlers deployed in combat zones.
“Everyone is very generous and gives so much so we can help the dogs and they deserve it because they are heroes too,” Roberts said.
A busy week is ahead for Roberts and the royalty as they complete the final week of their reign.  
They will be honored before the Copperas Cove City Council on Tuesday night for their thousands of hours of volunteer service performed over the last year. 
On Wednesday, pageant contestants ages nine and older are treated to a beauty workshop and on Thursday, the royalty will attend their last chamber mixer of their reign before crowning their successor on Saturday.  
Saturday’s pageant begins at 1 p.m. for ages 0-8 and 6 p.m. for age 9-50+ at the Copperas Cove Civic Center, 1206 W. Ave. B.  The evening pageant will be following by a coronation ball.  The cost of admittance for each pageant is $5.