The Rockingham Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4203 sent “care packages” to troops in Afghanistan on Saturday.
“We collected items valued at over $800 altogether,” says Post Commander Larry Evans.
Through the efforts and hard work of Evans, Auxiliary President Robin Roberts, Eddie Dean, Wanda DeBerry - whose daughter Brittany DeBerry is a member of the C130 unit that was “adopted” and will thus be one of the recipients of this shipment - and others, sixty deployed members of the Air Force will get to enjoy some of the basic luxuries of home.
“We’ve been doing this for six years now,” says Roberts, “and each year we ‘adopt’ a different unit.” Usually, these adopted units of deployed military personnel have some ties, direct or otherwise, to Richmond County.
And the VFW itself is not the only coordinator of this commendable project. Students from Cordova Middle School and Mineral Springs Elementary School, under the guidance of Toni Maples and Jessica Edwards, respectively, also help to collect donations and “spread the word” across the area.
Along with the donated items, two flags representing Rockingham’s Post 4203 are also being forwarded. “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.”
We are encouraged to continue to send items directly to the unit. The specific address is: 774 EAS/OPS Unit 94135 APOAE
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.
Post Commander Evans and Auxiliary President Roberts expressed their sincere appreciation to all who donated to this worthy cause.
