December 2009 we shipped 12 boxes of goodies to our Marines and Soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq. Included in them were hand and foot warmers, the usual hygiene items for male and female troops plus soup, hot chocolate, lip balm, body creams, candy, and cookies. Two of the boxes were sent to dog handlers with some really nice dog treats and toys. Nice touch Maggie! Oh yes, besides all the goodies members donated at the December 6th meeting, we all signed Christmas cards for the troops and the Widows and Wives Club brought another 48 Christmas cards they had signed and written notes in at their meeting on December 1st.
At the October 2009 Board of Directors Meeting it was reported that we have sent 8 more boxes to our troops in the war zone.
Saturday, June 27, 2009 was the day of the Newman Lake BBQ for our troops who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The temperature was just right, the location was just perfect and the troops were just wonderful. They enjoyed the food, games, music, boat rides, talking with one another, and the children enjoyed the play area. Some of our warriors brought their dogs and the dogs had a wonderful time too, most of them straining on their leashes to get in the water.
Supporters of the event: Newman Lake Resort and Marina, Shamrock School of Newman Lake, Hooters Restaurant, Master Craft Boats of Liberty Lake, Albertson's, The Trading company, Added Touch Framing and Pictures, The Vets Center and the VA Hospital. Music was provided by Rock It (cover band) and Vanguard (hard rock band). Also motor boat rides were provided by Susan & Ruedi Schuler, Brian, Bryan, Brian and Master Craft. The people powered boats were part of the donation by the resort and marina. Welcome Home/Thank You cards were made by the children at Adams Elementary School in the Spokane Valley. The Welcome Home banner was provided by the Spokane Chapter of MOAA. Support was also present by Operation Spokane Heroes.
"I hope this becomes an annual event" was the comment of Michael Ogle of the Vet Center. Mike and Don Sullivan of the Vet Center were the driving forces behind this event.
The slide show is just a 1/6 of the pictures I took on Saturday. Wish we had the capability to show more pictures so more of our troops could have photos of this fun day.
We have mailed 9 boxes since September 2008 at a total weight of 135 pounds. All the boxes went to Afghanistan to Army, Air Force, Marines and mixed groups from Army, Navy and Air Force. The boxes included lots of foot and hand warmers in December along with hot chocolate, soups, and the usual snack items requested by the troops. Also included were Christmas cards from our MOAA members and cards from school children.
Letters to Spokane Chapter of MOAA from the war zone
5 February 2009
First, I want to apologize for taking this long to write to you and thank you for the wonderful care packages you sent last month. I wanted to let you know how very much I appreciated all of the items you sent. I placed the toiletries in a bin located in the female shower trailer that I had labeled “Free Stuff” and it was emptied out by the end of the day. There are a lot of Army and Air Force females that appreciate you too!
I am also sending a big thank you from the Army and Air Force guys I work with – the Slim Jims and Goldfish Crackers were a huge hit with them and several asked me to send their thanks on to you.
Also - huge thanks for the hand & foot warmers. Those keeping watch at night left with big smiles on their faces.
This is an email we received from the troops we sent goodies to in May '08.
I wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much myself and the rest of the team really appreciated your care packages!
 Dear MOAA Members:
We have been out FOB (forward operating base) hopping and came back to the many care packages you sent. The whole team enjoyed going throw the letters and pictures and we have posted a few in our work area. And of course the food spoils are being consumed quickly.
Thanks for keeping us in your hearts and minds while we are away!
(Attached is a taste of our great weather.. I do miss the green northwest)
Respectfully,
MA2 Ryan West
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Spokane Marines return from Iraq and are met at the airport by MOAA members |
Disney Armed Forces Salute
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contact: Maggie Imle, Chair 509-924-3846 |
