Operation Troop Support Drive 2006 Sets a Record
by Kate Hubley
Berkshire County residents showed their caring support for our service members and warmed the hearts of our local troops deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Kosovo by participating in our annual "Operation Troop Support" Drive. This is an annual holiday cheer package program conducted by Kate Hubley, Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) Coordinator, in conjunction with members of our local Military Family Support Group. AFES is a link between the people of the United States and those serving in the Armed Forces.
Funds for postage costs and troop-requested items were generously donated by individual residents, various veterans' organizations, banks, businesses, senior centers and housing communities, religious groups, local media, school and youth groups. Besides donating numerous items, school children conducted letter-writing campaigns for the service members which were included with the packages.
The phenomenal local response resulted in a record mailing of over two tons of items being sorted, packaged and mailed in 2006. Our troops received them in time for the December holidays which helped to brighten their holidays while far away from home and their families.
Our service members send greetings along with a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to all participants!
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