Previous Story
Care packages for NMI soldiers get boost
|
Posted on Nov 24 2008
Soldiers serving on operations abroad may not be able to come home this holiday season, but local volunteers are making sure they at least get a taste of the islands.
Operation CNMI Home Front is set to send care packages to approximately 250 military men and women from the Northern Marianas next week, in a bid to get them to the soldiers in time for the holidays. The packages include canned food, snacks, toothpaste and toothbrushes, as well as letters to the individual soldiers.
Yesterday, the organization’s care package drive got a boost with donations from Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and First Lady Josie Fitial. Fitial and his Cabinet donated about $600 worth of Spam canned meat. The First Lady’s Vision, gave $800 worth of dried mango and chicharon.
“Sending these care packages is one of the ways we can share the holiday cheer with our troops who cannot be home for the holidays,” said Ruth Coleman, executive officer of the Military and Veterans Affairs Office.
Geri Willis, organizer of Operation CNMI Home Front and director of the Troops to Teachers Program, echoed Coleman’s statement, saying, “To our troops, we’re thinking about you. We love you.”
Regina Andres, a local soldier, said her colleagues currently serving abroad will appreciate the gifts from home. “They will enjoy this. Before I leave, I will make sure to give her [Willis] my own wish list,” she said.
Coleman also said the organization is still accepting names and addresses for deployed soldiers who are stationed abroad. Those who know of an address of a military man or woman can contact Willis or Fred Camacho at troops2teachers@hotmail.com or 237-3287.
