Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4203 Sending “Care Packages” to Troops Abroad
By C.K. Craven
The Rockingham Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4203 has “adopted” a military unit in Afghanistan and is asking for support in the form of donated items from the Richmond County community. These items will be shipped directly to the unit to be used by the individual troops.
VFW Post 4203 will accept donations at its headquarters (102 Old River Road, Rockingham) through Friday, February 23rd at 5:00 p.m.
Under the leadership and coordination of Post Commander Larry Evans and Auxiliary President Robin Roberts, the local VFW continues its six-year tradition of providing “care packages” to troops deployed overseas. Cordova Middle School and Mineral Springs Elementary School are also contributing to this project under the guidance of Toni Maples and Jessica Edwards, respectively.
There is a method to the selection of a particular unit this year. Air Force Squadron C130 will be the recipient of whatever we in Richmond County can contribute. Richmond County native Brittany DeBerry, daughter of Rockingham’s Wanda DeBerry, is one of its 60 members.
Post Commander Evans and Auxiliary President Roberts indicate that flags representing VFW Post 4203 and the Auxiliary Unit will also be provided in conjunction with the shipment of “goodies.” “The flags will be unfurled and held over the items for a photograph when the unit gets the shipment,” says Roberts. “Brittany is excitedly anticipating getting something from home, and her mom is equally excited about us helping her daughter in this way.”
It is requested that any and all NON-PERISHABLE foodstuffs or any items required for maintaining personal hygiene be left in the original packaging material without any additional wrapping, etc. (for ease of inspection by the US Postal Service and the Air Force).
Items that are specifically requested include: popcorn (for machine); popcorn bags; popcorn seasoning (all flavors); coffee k-cups (any flavor); trail mix; powdered coffee creamer; sliced jalapenos; trail mix bars; beef jerky; sunflower seeds; flavor packets for water; snacks of all types; individual sized toiletries; individual baby wipe packets; crossword puzzles; word search for crossword puzzles; Frisbees; foam footballs; playing cards; hand sanitizer; and coffee.
We are encouraged to continue to send items directly to the unit. The specific address is:
774 EAS/OPS Unit 94135 APOAE C130 Squadron AF Little Rock Ark 09352-4135
