| Support Our Troops Program |
Under the direction of Paul St. Amand, Council 4442 demonstrates their support for the brave men and women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan by sending boxes of goodies and supplies to various groups on a monthly basis. One particular favorite of our troops and children in these countries are the Tootsie Rolls that are sent following the annual Tootsie Roll Drive. If you have any doubt of the impact these care packages can have, please read the notes below from previous recipients.
Our council is now in it's eighth year of sending packages. As of April, 2011, we have shipped 308 packages weighing 4,330 pounds.
Please contact Paul if you are interested in assisting in or contributing to this worthy endeavour!
"Mission Parameters" for Sending Packages to Our Family Members
From Afghanistan:
I am the Battalion Commander for the Military Police Battalion here in Afghanistan. Thank you so much for the Tootsie Rolls.
They are already on their way into the hands of the children of Afghanistan. Not sure how many will get passed out as many of my Soldiers were salivating over them :-)
We don't really have a lot of time to listen to the political issues surrounding Afghanistan and Iraq, but we do know that we are supported by Great Americans like the Knights of Columbus. We can and will make a difference to the people of Afghanistan. Our philosophy is that this must start with the children, so we are focusing some of our efforts on them.
To see their smiling faces when you hand them a small symbol of childhood joy is overwhelming. They are a very poor people, who survive on very little. Every little bit makes a difference and I know the Tootsie Rolls will be well received. We are very grateful for your generosity!
I just wanted to take a few moments and extend my personal gratitude.
Again, thank you & God Bless You & God Bless America!
DONNA W. MARTIN
LTC, MP
TF DRAGOON
From a U.S. Army Captain serving in Iraq, as part of a medical team:
Thanks for the July package it arrived just in time for my birthday, so we all had some snacks. Yesterday we used the last of the Tootsie Rolls. They lasted for two MEDCAP/CMEs which are the medical missions to treat civilians. They are mostly for show, but the kids like the candy and civil affairs always brings 4 wheel chairs that are always appreciated. We treated around 300 people at this last madcap.
Today it is just a normal day of meetings and sick call. No trauma for a few days so that is good.
It was so nice of you to send another package. Tell your friends at the Knights of Columbus thank you very much and that the tootsie rolls were a hit with the Iraqi kids and Iraqi Soldiers.
Very Respectfully,
Mike
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