Posted on 9/4/2002, 7:36:39 AM by Snow Bunny
The Operation USO Care Package program for service members deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is being expanded globally, said Elaine Rogers, president of United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
USO-Metro has distributed 1,000 care packages monthly to armed forces members to boost morale since last December, Rogers explained. That successful program, she noted, also included messages of support and was sponsored by community businesses and other local organizations.
The USO care package program, Rogers noted, replaced the "To Any Service Member" letter program, which was suspended due to the anthrax mail threat.
Now, Rogers said, the USO wants to expand the care package program to support even more service members. The new program kicks off Sept. 3 at 1 p.m. at a special ceremony at Baltimore-Washington International Airport's International Pier, second floor.
"We wanted to give more Americans the opportunity to say 'Thank You' to our armed forces that are putting their lives on the line in the war against global terrorism," she pointed out.
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Sailors unload mail from a CH-53E (Super Stallion) from the combat stores ship USNS Sirius (TAFS 8) on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS George Washington. |
The expanded program will work in tandem with the USO at BWI, she said, noting that many troops deployed overseas in support of war operations pass through that airport.
"We have a lot of flights going to the Enduring Freedom area," she added, noting that the military's Air Mobility Command at the airport is a partner in the program.
All service members on their way to the war zone from BWI will be given care packages, Rogers noted.
USO-Metro has also "joined with our world organization to expand this worldwide in the distribution of care packages," she added.
Rogers said information on how citizens can send a message of support and sponsor a care package is available at www.usometrodc.org/contents.html or by calling 1-866-USO-GIVE.
"We will take your message to the troops," Rogers said, noting that each care package includes an AT&T international calling card with 100 free minutes.
Military members serving overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom have told the USO they'd appreciate items like paperback books, various toiletries, candy, suntan lotion and snacks, Rogers noted.
"Many of those type of items will be included in the care packages," she said.
The USO, Rogers noted, also provides care packages to service members in hospitals who are recuperating from battle wounds. Care packages have also been given to troops deploying overseas from Fort Bragg, N.C., and Fort Polk, La., she added.
"Now, we're going to expand the program and work with other USOs in the distribution of the care packages," she concluded.
Corporations may make a tax-deductible financial donation to support "Operation USO Care Package." A $25 donation goes toward sponsorship of one care package. Each care package will recognize corporate sponsors.
Corporations may donate items listed on the Service Members' Wish List to USO-Metro in bulk, many of which may be branded with your corporate logo. Please contact the USO-Metro office at (703) 696-3261 for advance coordination of deliveries or e-mail USO@Fmmc.army.mil for advance coordination.
Corporations may delegate an employee to serve as its "Operation USO Care Package" liaison. The liaison will communicate your corporate involvement and enlist employees to participate. Employee participants could sponsor an individual care package with their personal message on the official "Operation USO Care Package" postcard. The postcards may be downloaded from www.usometrodc.org/contents.html. Corporations willing to match their employees' support should contact Beth Bradner at (703) 696-3261. USO-Metro will provide postcards with your corporate logo upon request.
Individuals may donate $25 which goes toward sponsorship of an "Operation USO Care Package". Personal greetings may be included on an "Operation USO Care Package" postcard, available for download here.
Please send all checks and personal greetings for "Operation USO Care Package" to:
USO of Metropolitan Washington
Operation USO Care Package
PO Box 10835
Arlington, VA 22210
Due to the threat of anthrax, the option to send mail to "Any Service Member" at an overseas address was suspended. By filling out the official "Operation USO Care Package" postcard, your greeting will reach a service member participating in Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Life goes on and we make the best of things. Everything will return tomorrow with the next thread.I hope. ( fingers crossed.).
I only have a few graphics available to me right now.I apologize to everyone.
Welcome to the Canteen and thank you for your support.
Sweet dreams Misty, see you tomorrow.And thank you so much.
He is having some tests done today late in the day.
He asked for prayer that the tests go well.
Prayers for our Starman that he will be ok.
It is so good to see you. Sweet dreams Buppy and I hope to see you later today. I am off to bed now too.
(((( hug ))))
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