PARTY, PARTY, PARTY is that all they do in Monroeville PA?

Well just thinking about a party while writing this sounds great. And yeah, we probably have put on a few darn (what?) good parties at that. But the party we had on 02/20/08 was a little different. Although, we are adults, we do realize that partying all the time would not be realistic, not for us anyway. We actually work our ‘you know what’s’ (what?) off for the troops and the vets.

But that is okay, that is what we do.

Although the secret is now out, there was a party, I must admit. But let’s call this party a "party in progress." We had a party for the troops, and no, they were not able to attend. Our party was in appreciation of the troops who helped with "Operation 758-820 School Children." The troops risked their lives delivering school supplies that we shipped over to the children of Iraq. We just hope we helped the troops also by putting a smile on a child’s face in appreciation because we all know a smile is a universal language after all. And what a request we made of the troops, after all, they have to carry all that heavy equipment, wrapped around their waists and necks and guns, ammo and all that. Then we asked them to carry some pencils and pads to write on.

But that is okay, that is what we do.

This party did not consist of bright red ribbons and balloons but bags of personal products and convenience items. This party did not consist of cake and ice cream but boxes and packing peanuts. This party did not consist of brightly wrapped presents and money cards but packing tape and many labels to write out. This party was not for one individual but for two entire Companies.

But that is okay, that is what we do.

I must also admit that anytime the 820 American Legion Family gets together there is always a party and even better yet, always a good time. We have Indians and Chiefs just like all the other American Legions. But we all just pitch in and do it. We pack the boxes, talk to the chief to see who gets what? How do they get packed? Are you packing or taping or putting in the stuffing or…okay, if you’re doing that then I will do this. Then we have to start writing labels with each item individually listed on the Customs Form for each box so we can take them to the post office.

Speaking of the post office, I would like to thank CONCO for paying for all of the packing materials and more importantly, our shipping charges, which totaled approx. $300. They completely believe in what we are doing for the troops and vets and try to help where they can. And this is not the first time they offered to pay shipping either. They have done it before and this American Legion Family wants them to know we appreciate all their help.

But that is okay, that is what we do.

This shipment will mean fun for our troops. This is a chance for them to receive items that may be hard for them to find over there, if they can find them at all. These items may be too expensive for them to purchase overseas, even if they can be purchased. These items may be a convenience not otherwise afforded. I know we sure hope it is like Christmas morning for our soldiers when they receive our packages. To open all these boxes and see what we sent, for their own personal use. I hope we put smiles on their faces just like they did the Iraqi children.

But that is okay, that is what we do.

We sincerely thank the troops of the US Army 316^{th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and the 118th Maintenance Company that helped us help the school children in Iraq. Instead of writing in the dust on the roads of Iraq, the school supplies will aid in learning. What a feeling! Thank you troops for doling out the school supplies and more so, for being our partner in this program and defending the freedom of our great Nation.}

All nine packages for the 316th and 118th were shipped by Friday 02-22-08. We’ll let you know the troop’s reaction once we receive word of their receipt of the goodies. And again, our sincere thanks to the fine folks at Conco, we appreciate your efforts.

Bouma, Kathy; DeMarcki, Bob; DeShong, Jil ;DeShong, Mark; Eggan, Gary; Enciso, Chris; Enciso, Jeannie; Eng, Jayde; Hixson, Bill; Holby, Bill; Holby, Marguerite;

Huemme, Bill; Huemme, Linda; Kitchen, Danielle; Kitchen, Jennifer; Kitchen, Jim;

Lang, Mike; Lewis, Bob; Lewis, Ellen; Lewis, Willy; McAndrew, Margie; Reeder, Craig;

Robosky, Kayla; and, Shawley, Patty;