Care packages can make all the difference

When I was in high school, my friend Cono was deployed to Iraq for Operation Desert Storm. Sadness, mixed with fear and pride filled me when I said goodbye.

I was so worried about him. All of a sudden, war, which I had only read about in history books, became so much more real and frightening. And I wanted to do everything I could to give him support.

I don't remember exactly when I sent the first care package to him, but I know the one I mailed around the holidays included a small Christmas tree and fake snow, photos of his friends, candy and some local news clips.

I didn't expect such a quick response after sending the first care package either. I'll never forget the first letter he wrote--not only was I relieved to hear from him, but I was also thrilled by how surprised and touched he was by my care package and the words of support from my parents and sister that I had also included.

We continued to keep in touch through letters and care packages until he safely returned home. Luckily for the people of Litchfield County, Conn., he continues to serve--as a State Trooper.

I share this story because Veterans Day is next week, and if you are looking for a way to show your support for past and present service men and women, you can contribute to a cause underway at the Military Veterans's Club at Norwalk Community College.

Through Nov. 30, the club is collecting donations of food, snacks, drink mixes and toiletries for care packages to send to troops overseas.

The club will collect donated items from students and the community at collection points in the lobbies of the East and West campus buildings.

The mission of the NCC Military Veterans Club is to provide a venue for members to discuss and participate in school and military-related activities. The club provides educational guidance and support for military veterans, reservists and guard members and assists with adjustment to college life.

This care package project provides an opportunity for club members to extend their network of contacts and services within the local community and provide an essential service to our troops.

This is the third semester in which the club has led a collection drive. In total, more than 500 pounds of items have been collected over the past two semesters and sent to the troops.

Other local groups have contributed as well, including the 44th Fenwick Assembly of the Knights of Columbus of Norwalk, local American Legion Posts and the American Legion Auxiliary. The Westchester County Raptor Squadron Civil Air Patrol and the Stratford Eagles Civil Air Patrol Squadron have offered to support this drive through their Cadet programs.

Types of items acceptable for donation follow:

Food, snacks and drinks:

"¢ Beef jerky / Slim Jims

"¢ Coffee (Ground or whole bean; instant or drip. Ground preferred)

"¢ Powder drink mix (Gatorade, Kool-aid, Crystal Light)

"¢ Tuna and chicken salad (in foil pouches, or ready-to-eat kits; no cans)

"¢ Protein powder and protein bars

"¢ Hot chocolate packets, herbal teas

"¢ Hard pretzels / Cheetos / Fritos / Chex Mix / Wheat Thins / Ritz crackers

"¢ Gum / hard candy (must be individually wrapped in large bags)

"¢ Granola bars / power bars / cereal bars / Cliff bars

"¢ Fig Newtons, Oreos, cheese and crackers - small packs

"¢ Trail mix, dried fruit, granola, fruit roll-ups / fruit by the foot / fruit gummies

"¢ Dry soup: (ramen noodles / cup-o-soup

"¢ Nuts: peanuts, mixed nuts (salted preferred)

"¢ Microwaveable food (popcorn, Chef-boy-r-dee, mac'n'cheese)

"¢ Cookies / Girl Scout cookies

"¢ Rice Krispie treats (packaged, store-bought only)

"¢ Oatmeal packs (instant only))

"¢ Cereal (small, individual boxes)

"¢ Condiments, spices; sugar; salad dressing (no glass jars)

"¢ Caffeinated gum or candy (to stay alert)

"¢ Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

Toiletries: (Please, no hotel samples)

Note: some troops have allergies and need brand name toiletries which list all ingredients. The military issues toiletries to our troops, however troops often miss their favorite brand of shampoo or soap. Our goal is to send troops reminders of home and items they miss ... Not free samples.

"¢ Baby wipes (travel size)

"¢ Hand sanitizer (travel size)

"¢ Body wash, liquid soap, facial cleanser

"¢ Shampoo /conditioner (travel size)

"¢ Hair gel (for female troops to pull hair back)

"¢ Combs / brushes / bobby pins (in original packaging, please)

"¢ Deodorant (travel size)

"¢ Razors (disposable or "Intuition" or "Mach 3" types)

"¢ Shaving cream in tubes / shaving soap (no cans of shaving cream, please!)

"¢ Lip balm / Chap Stick / Carmex / Blistex

"¢ Baby powder and foot powder (travel size)

"¢ Tissues (individual packs; travel size only)

Anyone desiring to make contributions for the care packages may contact Charles Kruzshak, the NCC Military Veterans Club Advisor, at (203) 857-7015 or ckruzshak@ncc.commnet.edu.

Sgt Gero Caponera, USAR, is founder and former president of the NCC Military Veterans' Club. He said in a statement, "As a veteran that has received care packages while deployed to Iraq, I can say that it is a great feeling, especially when you are not expecting them. Soldiers that are in remote areas will be very grateful for receiving items they do not have access to."

Major Cortland Mehl, USAR Retired, said in a statement, "During my overseas duty I experienced America's heart and soul through an outpouring of love from America that is hard to describe unless experienced. The tons of care packages, the Chaplains dropping off bags of mail every day, and the thrill of being adopted by a school or organization that took pride in both its country and the service member."

Mehl added receiving packages of various sundries "made it feel like Christmas in a huge hot sandbox."

Making someone feel that way is the least we can do for them when they are so far away from home and their loved ones.

To all our community members who are serving and won't be home for the holidays, and to all the local veterans who have served--thank you for the sacrifices you have made.