Posted: 4/9/03

Legion, volunteers pitch in for troops

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

It may be April, but when 50 huge boxes are delivered to troops in the Iraqi war zone soon, it may seem like Christmas to the troops.

A throng of volunteers performed their Christmas magic last week when they met on April 1 to pack care packages for men and women from the Forest Lake area now serving in the Middle East.

The care packages are being sponsored by a host of organizations including American Legion Post 225, Unit 225, Voiture 44, Cabane 44, the Metro Marines, local businesses, students and residents.

When the volunteers completed their work last week, 38 boxes were ready for shipment to a specific soldier from this area now serving in the war zone. Five individual care packages were stuffed inside each box to help serve other soldiers who are in need.

The care package program was an offshoot of the March 10 rally at Post 225 to support the troops and their families, said Dwight Dupey, Post 225 manager. Dupey said the project found life when Columbus resident Kathy Peters called asking if the Legion could help fill the needs of troops in the gulf. She has a nephew there serving in the Marines.

ìI put the word out,î Dupey said. ìThis is the result.î

For more than an hour on April 1, volunteers of all ages filled Ziploc bags with toothpaste, soap, mouthwash, Q-tips, foot powder, hand lotion, sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops, moist towelettes, candy, cookies, batteries, playing cards, magazines, newspapers, books and writing paper.

The Legion Post has served as a drop off point for items for the care packages. Students at Forest View Elementary School last week collected items to add to the Legion stockpile.

Funds were also rolling in to support the project.

Voiture 44, a military order that meets at Post 225, donated $2000. The Legion Auxiliary Unit 225 kicked in $1000 and the Metro Marines added $500 to the project budget.

Dupey said the Legion will continue to receive donations from the community, businesses and other schools that want to get involved.

Families of the military personnel serving in the Middle East may add their loved oneís name to the Legion master list by calling 651-464-2600. Information about financial donations can also be obtained by calling 464-2600.

Bob Flaherty, Forest Lake, a past commander at Post 225 and former state commander of the American Legion, was one of the many volunteers on hand last week. The effort was a way to deliver a positive message to the troops serving in the war, Flaherty said.

ìThey (the troops) are not forgotten,î Flaherty said. ìThis is our way to send our thanks for what they are doing. This is what it is all about.î

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