Stryker Brigade News

“I missed a number of holidays with them. When in Vietnam for a year, we had no electronic or Federal Express means to communicate with our families. U.S. mail was slow and packages usually went by ship so it took several weeks to get them. My wife and children would periodically send care packages which was the greatest thing for me.”

With today’s rapid delivery technology, shipping has advanced and Soldiers can expect to receive a box of goodies in about two weeks.

“I think it’s a great program and it’s nice that people take time out of their busy lives to write and send us care packages,” said Sgt. Dennis Gravelle, a print journalist with the 138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment deployed to Mosul, Iraq. He has received mail from volunteers from AAP and anysoldier.com, another non-profit organization which was created by a 20-year Army Veteran to help support deployed Soldiers by sending care packages and letters.

“As a Vietnam veteran, I, along with many others, have a personal appreciation for your sacrifice and a real understanding of the importance of you knowing that you are appreciated and that your country supports you,” said Wayne Blackburn, who also volunteers with Adopt-A-Platoon. “I wanted to let you know that we take great pride in your efforts to provide a free and democratic government for the people of Iraq and you should know now and forever to take great pride in your personal participation in these efforts.”

Many people who participate in organizations like Adopt-A-Platoon hear about it through word of mouth. Debbie Winfield, a volunteer heard about AAP through another co-worker. When they heard about AAP they loved the idea. She and several of her co-workers began gathering things and writing letters to send to Iraq. They have adopted six U.S. Soldiers so far.

“We could not wait to receive information about our adoptees and their experiences in Iraq,” said Debbie. “We want to do whatever we can to show our support for our Soldiers.”

“I think the organization is fantastic,” said Spc. Siler Tasalotele, a Soldier from the 101st Combat Aviation Battalion deployed to Tikrit, Iraq. “I see the smiles first hand and how these folks are brightening Soldier’s days.” Spc. Tasalotele has been adopted by Debbie and her co-workers and has received romance books, X-Box games, DVD’s, CD’s and an over-abundance of food. “It’s just nice knowing I’ve got the backing of some wonderful folks and my own family getting me through this deployment,” said Spc. Tasalotele.