Posted on 05/07/2009 1:29:29 PM PDT by patriotgal1787
Patriots,
Can you help?? Contact Elyse at USMCdaughter1@aol.com
That's right folks - Operation Hug In is just about ready to launch!
Just what is Operation Hug In?
The homecoming of our men and women from Iraq will be broken into two phases - the first of which involves welcoming them as their planes arrive at McGuire/Ft. Dix. The greeting of the planes has been broken out according to dates as they will be coming home by unit at different days and times. Keep in mind, we are running on military times with this ;)
We have been accorded the honor of being there when they put their boots on the ground of American soil for the first time in almost a year.
Participating organizations have been assigned a 24 hour period for each day that a plane is coming in. Eagles UP has been tasked with the on-call period from midnight Friday, May 29 through midnight Saturday, May 30th. This means that BEFORE the planes arrive I will be notified, at which time I will reach out to those who have volunteered to be a part of this mission.
At that point we have 6 hours to arrive at Ft. Dix, set up our service stations (coffee, cake, soft drinks) and see to the comfort of the anxious families who will be with us. We are responsible for bringing our own paper goods (cups, plates, napkins) and supply the coffee, tea, milk, etc.
Unfortunately, no home baked goods are allowed so it will be pre-packaged cakes and goodies. The Salvation Army will have their "Battle Lab" on the premises so that we have electricity and refrigerators to store items that might be left over when our shift is finished. We will be working with some of the finest pro troop organizations out there - the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, the Elks Army of Hope, ARMS, American Legion Riders, local VFW's and others to facilitate a wonderful homecoming for everyone involved.
If anyone is interested in volunteering for this, please let me know ASAP. We need to get team information to the proper authorities as soon as we can for base access, etc.
Also, additional details for Phase 2 - the Homecoming Parade (weather permitting) and Ceremony at the Sovereign Center will be released shortly.
*/Elyse
President
Board Member - Eagles UP
www.eaglesup.us
Depending on the day, I might be able to help - I’ll be in NJ to help my son home from college right around the first.
Bump!
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