With the holiday season, the Mountain Home Elks Lodge and the Alley White American Legion Post #52 are making an extra push in providing care packages for military troops in combat zones.
Jerry Montgomery was a recent guest on KTLO’s Talk of the Town and says the two organizations, along with the American Legion’s Auxiliary, have been providing 10 care packages a month for combat troops.
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Montgomery says the Bull Shoals American Legion Auxiliary has also been a partner in this effort.
He says he hopes Americans have not forgotten the United States military has been in a war since September 11, 2001.
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Montgomery says while many are aware of the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, American troops are in combat missions in many other locations.
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In addition, he says there are a number of requests being received from group leaders, from platoon leaders to captains and even colonels, asking for boxes for soldiers who seldom receive packages.
Montgomery says the cost per box is approaching $50, with postage accounting for about $16. He says the local organizations are spending about $6,000 annually to provide the boxes for the troops.
He says local organizations are utilizing information from the anysoldier.com website Any Soldier as they shop for items for the Troop Box Up program, taking into consideration restrictions that may be in place, as well as the conditions the troops are serving under in or under.
With the experience the local organizations have in meeting the restrictions and requirements, the best means of supporting the Troop Box Up program is with financial donations. Locally, folks can also support the mission by proving names of loved ones the groups can direct a package to. The program is restricted to troops serving in combat zones.
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For those wishing to support the Troop Box Up program, contact Cathy Underwood with the Elks Lodge at 870-404-1892, the Elks Lodge at 870-424-6277 or Suzan Kaye with the American Legion Auxiliary at 870-321-0520.
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