VFW Post 1895 puts together care packages for platoon overseas
Recently the 618th Engineer Support Company of the United States Army lost 10 men during a six-month period in Iraq. Now, the Hilderbrand-Davis VFW Post 1895 is trying to lift the spirits of those men and women who are far from home but still in thoughts of many.
This particular company lost 10 men in six months, and their morale was pretty diminished, said Annie Wilson, VFW member. `Since one of the goals of VFW is to support veterans, it only seemed like a logical conclusion that we should be doing something to try and lift their morale.`
Annie Wilson originally sent a package to Alex Kirby, a member of the 618th, but talks with his mother, who was a friend of a fellow VFW member, led to Post 1895 `adopting` the company, which includes 100 men and woman.
Tracey Fredericks later joined Post 1895 and took over organizing the initiative. Fredericks had previous experience with sending care packages through her personal efforts.
`It all started with a simple project I did by myself,` said Fredericks. `I got such a good feeling from what I was doing that I wanted to do more. It is all about giving back to the men and women who have done so much for us.`
On Fredericks’ husband’s side there are family members serving in the military, and her grandfather from Albany also served in WWII. She said he wanted to do something to honor her grandfather, and sending care packages to troops seemed to be a good way to pay tribute.
`You honor the dead by serving the living,` said Fredericks. `It becomes more personal when you know someone that is there.`
She recycled bottles and cans to raise money to send care packages to soldiers. Last summer she also got together with 65 students from Hamilton Elementary School, where two of Fredericks’ nephews went to school, and worked with the children to make cards and letters to send off in a care package to the troops for Christmas.
She said when the troops receive the packages it makes even a normal day into a celebration.
`It is like Christmas day for them when they receive the packages that have a little comfort from home,` said Fredericks.
Fredericks has sent out six packages and plans to send out six more soon. Beef jerky was one of the most requested items, said Fredericks. Other items she sends include eye drops, shampoo, hot cocoa, granola bars and Frisbees. Fredericks said she crams the items into a Flat Rate US Postal box, so she can ship as much as possible for the cheapest cost. Each flat rate box, which accounts for one package, costs $12.50 to send.
`We welcome contribution of items. We’re looking for either monetary donations or items that we can send,` said Wilson. `We welcome notes and cards from children.`
Kirby sent an e-mail to Fredericks thanking her for everything Post 1895 has done and for their support. He said four of the six packages were received, and he placed them in the company’s hallway and everything was gone in an hour.
Donations outside of the VFW post came from employees at Cannon Heyman and Weiss, LLP, based out of Albany. Also three local dentists have donated toothbrushes and toothpaste.
A complete list of items that can be sent to troops can be found on
Adopt A Platoon
, or call the VFW Post at 382-1669. To make a donation you can visit the VFW post located at 609 Draper Ave., Rotterdam, or at the collection box in Trustco Bank at Hannaford Plaza in Rotterdam. Donations can also be mailed directly to the VFW Post 1895.
Kirby said he would be coming home on leave in January, but his return will only be temporary. A sense of the celebration could already be felt at the Post.
`We’re looking forward to buying him a drink when he arrives,` said Wilson. `Actually, if he comes on a Friday night, I don’t think he is going to be walking out, because everybody is going to want to buy him a drink.`
Fredericks echoed the sentiment and said, `The first one is on me.“
