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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) assembles a care package for a serviceperson in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
I was lucky enough to have one of these in Heidi's Blog Givaway
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Fui una de las afortunadas en tener esta bolsita que Heidi Kenney regalo en su Blog!
College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau and COD Cares volunteers packed care packages for deployed military personnel during a recent visit to Operation Support Our Troops -America in Lisle. About a dozen COD Action Heroes spent the morning packing much-needed comfort items to be sent to service members.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing and employees from Best Buy Corporate joined forces to support Operation Gratitude at the Best Buy Corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minn., Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Lynette Olivares)
Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing and employees from Best Buy Corporate joined forces to support Operation Gratitude at the Best Buy Corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minn., Friday, Nov. 6, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by TSgt. Lynette Olivares)
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200 Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) embarked on their year-long deployment in support of peacekeeping operations in Central Asia as they boarded two charter planes at at the Orlando International Airport Feb. 25, 2018.
Headquartered in Orlando, the 143d ESC conducted several training exercises and participated in numerous pre-deployment missions in the months leading up to this deployment. The Soldiers will conduct additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, prior to their departure to the Middle East where they will oversee logistical operations for hundreds of American and allied military units across Central Command's theater of operations.
Volunteers from the USO Central Florida Chapter bade the troops farewell as they handed every Soldier a small care package containing sweets, snacks and toiletry items.
U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson (background) watches as Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Leader, of California, signs a greeting card to be delivered to troops downrange. Congressional lawmakers and staff joined USO volunteers to stuff USO Care Packages for servicemen and women as part of a service project to remember 9/11 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 11, 2013, in Washington DC. USO Photo by Mike Theiler
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.
Official Presidio of Monterey Web site
Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook
PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.
Elated Soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard's Headquarters-Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, toss their Project Minagof care packages into the air Nov. 20 at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan. Close to 600 Guam Guardsmen received packages from a program sponsored by Guam's lieutenant governor, Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Eddie Siguenza/Released)
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.
Official Presidio of Monterey Web site
Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook
PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200 Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) embarked on their year-long deployment in support of peacekeeping operations in Central Asia as they boarded two charter planes at at the Orlando International Airport Feb. 25, 2018.
Headquartered in Orlando, the 143d ESC conducted several training exercises and participated in numerous pre-deployment missions in the months leading up to this deployment. The Soldiers will conduct additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, prior to their departure to the Middle East where they will oversee logistical operations for hundreds of American and allied military units across Central Command's theater of operations.
Volunteers from the USO Central Florida Chapter bade the troops farewell as they handed every Soldier a small care package containing sweets, snacks and toiletry items.
U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Ian Shay, 143d ESC
Pictures of herself, boxers, teddy bear, colorful socks, letter, LOLCat page, and you can't see but a ton of candy
Also please note the hello kitty key chain on the corner. It's rocking Kanye's Shutter Shade glasses
New additions to my desk montage, wheat Elevator magnets and 'You're optimism is killing me' card courtesy of an Edmontonian friends.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson (L) joins Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida to sign a flag to be sent to troops downrange. Congressional lawmakers and staff joined USO volunteers to stuff USO Care Packages for servicemen and women as part of a service project to remember 9/11 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 11, 2013, in Washington DC. USO Photo by Mike Theiler
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
I put together a care package for my brother who was in Afghanistan over the Christmas period.
Back row l to r: Homemade Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti, Cake Mix Chewy Chocolate Smartie Cookies, Homemade Spicy Cashew Nuts
Middle: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Front row l to r: Homemade Fudge, Bombay Mix, Marshmallows for Hot Chocolate Mix
All packaging and labeling was designed and made by me using Photoshop CS3 and cardstock.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200 Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) embarked on their year-long deployment in support of peacekeeping operations in Central Asia as they boarded two charter planes at at the Orlando International Airport Feb. 25, 2018.
Headquartered in Orlando, the 143d ESC conducted several training exercises and participated in numerous pre-deployment missions in the months leading up to this deployment. The Soldiers will conduct additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, prior to their departure to the Middle East where they will oversee logistical operations for hundreds of American and allied military units across Central Command's theater of operations.
Volunteers from the USO Central Florida Chapter bade the troops farewell as they handed every Soldier a small care package containing sweets, snacks and toiletry items.
U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Ian Shay, 143d ESC
北海道滝川市一の坂町
ブラッドから貰ったお菓子です。
Look at all this crap!!! Got it in the mail from Cananada. Gaijin4Life is da man! :D
(most of that disappeared that day)
;)
Soldiers from Watertown’s Bravo Troop, 105th Cavalry, pose Aug. 23 with a few of the many care packages sent to Iraq by the hometown VFW and American Legion posts. Soldiers are, from left to right, Pvt. Jeremy Jenson, Spc. Daniel Sorensen, Spc. Howard Strum, Pfc. Joseph Cascario, and Spc. Nicholas Pawelski. Photo by 1st Sgt. Thomas Bruss.
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, California -- More than 20 DLIFLC student volunteers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines joined together at the Monterey Peninsula American Legion Post 41 on Feb. 17 to put together care packages for troops currently overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.
Official Presidio of Monterey Web site
Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook
PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.
OMG!! I was pretty much crapping my pants when the post man delivered this to my door. AHHHH!!!
My mum and Kels are the best!!!!!!!!!! :D! I can not thank them enough for gathering all this together for me! :)
I got the Mamegomas, Bami (the plushies were on my wishlist for a while!!), and tins from Tamaya <33 Excellent pricess!!! I am sooo happy I was able to find them (and soooo happy Johan got them for me!!! I love him! <3)!! But they only could ship to the states so I had them shipped to my mum! :)
My friend Kels picked up the Rilakkuma snacks for me!! HE IS THE BEST!! I am not sure if I even want to eat them since they look so adorable!!!! :P
The Kogepan bread guy is for Lorri, the battery dog memo is for Riki <3.
The other small goodies are for swaps (sticker sheets, deco tapes)
I ordered the Mamegoma grab bag and those two sticker sacks on LJ but they didn't reach me in time before I left to Sweden, so I had to wait.
LOL MUM for including that book. LOL. "10 Coversations You Must Have Before Getting Married" so silly of her! :P
USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson (R) joins Rep. Nancy Pelosi, the House Democratic Leader, of California, in the queue to jelp stuff packages. Congressional lawmakers and staff joined USO volunteers to stuff USO Care Packages for servicemen and women as part of a service project to remember 9/11 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, September 11, 2013, in Washington DC. USO Photo by Mike Theiler
RALEIGH, N.C. –Volunteers with BB&T’s Light House Project, a community service program, teamed with Military Missions in Action Fill the Footlocker Program, pack more than 1,500 care packages for deployed North Carolina National Guard Soldiers. “It is nice to give back to those who supported me when I deployed,” said BB&T Lead Identity Access Management Developer Ricky Blue, also an Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the North Carolina National Guard who returned from deployment with NCNG’s 113th Sustainment Brigade last year. The BB&T volunteers provided the planning, labor and bought the gifts but MMIA provided the transport and shipping through donations for postage. “The program brings together businesses and volunteers for a wonderful cause,” said Mendy Rausch, MMIA executive assistant. (U.S. Army National Guard by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan / Released)
ORLANDO, Fla. - Approximately 200 Army Reserve Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) embarked on their year-long deployment in support of peacekeeping operations in Central Asia as they boarded two charter planes at at the Orlando International Airport Feb. 25, 2018.
Headquartered in Orlando, the 143d ESC conducted several training exercises and participated in numerous pre-deployment missions in the months leading up to this deployment. The Soldiers will conduct additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, prior to their departure to the Middle East where they will oversee logistical operations for hundreds of American and allied military units across Central Command's theater of operations.
Volunteers from the USO Central Florida Chapter bade the troops farewell as they handed every Soldier a small care package containing sweets, snacks and toiletry items.
U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.
Official Presidio of Monterey Web site
Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook
PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.
- plain M&M's
- mix tape from my Dad
- set of color rollerball pens
- episodes of MST3K
- DMC floss and lots of it
- book of graph paper
- scissors and tape
- ruler
- good set of colored pencils (60+)
- some Legos
- 0.7 mechanical pencil and clic eraser
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
contents of care package i received from a friend in america...plastic bento cups and flower food pics.
Daniel baked his awesome chocolate chip cookies, then I pulled out some chocolate bars & tea. Two packages are in the mail for two sisters. One is a college Freshmen and the other is in the 2nd year of her Master's program.
He's mapped out where all my siblings and I are and used our nicknames that I thought were a secret to only us kids. He even knows that we call him "Ahpps". The smarties because they make you smart and is one of my dad's favorite candies. Tootsie rolls because I love those. PB was a request, extra crunchy. I did receive a few practical things and of course, my father's signature gift of books. Looking forward to going home in November to see my Ah-ppa.
PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. - Service members from the Presidio of Monterey stepped forward along with other volunteers from the Monterey communities to organize care packages for Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen stationed overseas as part of Operation Care and Comfort at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula Aug. 23.
Official Presidio of Monterey Web site
Official Presidio of Monterey Facebook
PHOTO by Steven L. Shepard, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs.
It took 19 recipes to perfect this original product! A smooth blend of aged, sharp white cheddar and premium air-popped corn. Manufacturer: DEEP RIVER We’re known for our kettle-cooked potato chips, but we actually started with popcorn. It took 19 recipes before our Sharp White Cheddar Popcorn beat our competitors in a blind taste test, but we think you’ll agree; it was worth it. So that’s where our “serious flavor” comes from. We refuse to introduce a new flavor until it’s been called the best tasting by friends like you. If it isn’t, we start over. Plus, we only use non-GMO potatoes and all of our products are kosher certified, gluten free and contain no trans fat. We’re also 100% committed to sustainability. What’s more, every Deep River snack supports a non-profit organization such as the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and Feeding America’s Hungry Children.
statesidemangoods.com/snack-products/popcorn/white-chedda...
1st Sgt. William Downey carries holiday care packages at Matoaca Elementary School in Ettrick, Va., as part of a visit to the children and staff in December 2009. On behalf of their fellow Soldiers, the troops visited to say thank you for their holiday care packages the children and staff collected, packaged and shipped to those deployed overseas. Photo by Staff Sgt. Anne W. Lewis
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of Soldiers from the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) joined members of veteran services organizations to honor the families of fallen heroes during the 6th Annual Operation: Love Letters event conducted March 24, 2018, at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Orlando.
Hosted by the Orlando Survivor Outreach Services, a U.S. Army community support program dedicated to helping families cope with grief from losing loved ones who have served their country. Operation: Love Letters provides a forum of fellowship for family members to share their memories of the deceased through food, games, music, arts and crafts. Conceived in Orlando in 2013, this local activity has transformed into a U.S. Army sponsored flagship program for the entire nation with international reach.
The event commenced with full military honors as the 143d ESC’s color guard and the Patriot Riders Guard led the opening ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Star-Spangled Banner. The color guard then set up a Fallen Comrade table and conducted a “13 Folds” ceremony to honor all American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Miles Espaillat, the youngest of three sons of Maj. Gen. Francisco Espaillat, lit the candle on the Fallen Comrade Table. Espaillat’s father served as the commanding general of the 143d ESC from 2014-2016. He died of a heart attack April 7, 2017, while serving as general officer for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve.
After the opening ceremony, the family members shared their most cherished memories of their son, daughter, parent or spouse. Some brought framed photos while others baked their loved ones’ favorite dessert. The 143d ESC Soldiers joined several family members in creating crafts and writing love letters.
Representatives from the USO, Veterans Affairs, Operation Military Matters and the Orlando Vet Center also attended the festivities to share the many free resources such as grief counseling, care packages, and financial assistance tailored to families coping with the loss of a loved one.
Operation: Love Letters concluded with its most cherished tradition as Soldiers, families and volunteers gathered at the school’s courtyard to release dozens of balloons with messages addressed to their fallen heroes.
Photo and Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC