COLUMBIA, Mo. — Soldiers from the United States Army’s base in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., spent their Fourth of July weekend raising more than $7,000 for patients at MU Children’s Hospital.

Approximately 50 soldiers from the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officers Academy at Fort Leonard Wood sold grilled food items outside the three Columbia Walmart locations from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 2. In addition, the soldiers offered to do push-ups for donations.

All the money raised from the event will support the Children’s Miracle Network program at MU Children’s Hospital.

Following the cookout, the soldiers paid a special visit to MU Children’s Hospital to meet some of the hospital’s pediatric patients who will benefit from the funds raised during the cookout.