ABOUT US – ”U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE”

March 1, 2003, Jan Sass, founder of “U.S. Troop Care Package,” saw anti-war protestors in front of a local City Hall displaying an American Flag dyed yellow.  Jan, with her American Flag, stood on the opposite street corner over a sixty-day period to protest the protestor’s desecration of the American Flag.  A mother of an American soldier stopped by and asked how to send Care Packages to her son and daughter-in-law who were headed to Iraq.

After researching the do’s and don’ts of sending a Care Package and learning the needs of the troops, “U.S. Troop Care Package” was founded March 19, 2003.  Working out of a storage unit for the first year, donation drives were held at various locations.  “U.S. Troop Care Package” attends many community events to gain exposure, inform the public about what we do and explain how one can become involved.

In 2004, at one of the donation locations, a gentleman stopped by our booth and from his pocket pulled out a coin that he had been carrying for some time and gave it to us.  The coin is in memory of his friend since childhood Army 2nd Lt. Benjamin J. Colgan, age 30 killed in Iraq on November 1, 2003.  The front of the coin has Lt. Colgan’s picture, name, date of birth and the day he died.  The reverse side of the coin reads: “Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends.  John-15:13.”  All of us were very touched by this and we proudly display this momentum on our Awards Wall at our facility.

ABOUT US – "OPERATION COMFORT”

On October 6, 2003, after receiving a picture of a soldier sleeping on his helmet, “U.S. Troop Care Package” began “Operation Comfort” a project to make pillows for the troops.  We asked the community to donate fabric (all colors and designs) and their time to sew the 12” x 12” pillows that are just big enough for a soldier’s head, don’t take up a lot of space, and that can be easily stored in a soldier’s rucksack.

Our original goal was 600 pillows which was accomplished in just one day.  “Operation Comfort” has garnered support from all across the country with help from individuals (boys and girls and men and women alike), schools, senior facilities, churches, businesses, government agencies and numerous organizations such as 4-H, Scouts, and Boys and Girls Clubs.  “Operation Comfort” pillows are simple to make and have become an immeasurable “grassroots” effort to support the troops.

In February, 2004, “U.S. Troop Care Package” took 1,000 “Operation Comfort” pillows to two in-state Military bases to hand out to the deploying 81st Stryker Brigade.  A Colonel who made the trip with the troops to the Middle East told us that he overheard a soldier trade his pillow with another soldier because “it reminds me of my wife’s nightgown.” Our “Operation Comfort” pillows were shown throughout “The Wounded Warrior” program aired on CNN in February, 2005, hosted by Paula Zahn and aired again in December 2006 and January 2007.  No one could have ever imagined how important these pillows would become to our troops!  We have since learned from the troops themselves just some of what these pillows mean to them and of the various uses as indicated in their comments below:

On December 2, 2004, fourteen grade school classes from Maya Angelo Elementary School, Pasco, WA sewed and stuffed pillows for an entire school day.  Each student picked out their own fabric to sew a pillow for a soldier and attached a personal letter.  Teachers, parents and volunteers all helped with the project.  Even the Principal of the school helped.  On December 15, 2004, the school held an assembly to present the pillows to “U.S. Troop Care Package” In attendance were members of the various military branches.  It was a tearful experience!  The children received a number of letters and photos from the troops who received their pillows and letters.

“We all loved the pillows you sent!  It was a nice thing to have to make you feel more at home.  The guys all messed with me and made sure they gave me the pink one, but I ended up with the one I wanted; the one with the snowmen.” Army Specialist

“I am a C-130 pilot and on one of my many deployments and my crew and I received one of your pillows on a stop in Kuwait.  We wanted to thank you for the thought.  The pillow will come in handy on lots of occasions.” Air Force Major

“The pillows come in handy when we are requested to sit on our hard concrete floors during certain operational situations.  All of our troops use them daily.” Air Force Captain

“I got one yesterday and it’s just the right size for traveling and also for cushioning the floor when we have to take cover during an attack.  I appreciate your time and energy in putting these together and sending them out for us.  They went like hotcakes.” Air Force Major

“Just a quick note to you all to say thank you for the pillows.  You put a lot of smiles on many faces when the First Sgt. handed them out.” Army Captain

“Thank you so much for the lovely pillows made for our troops.  I am a registered nurse who helps prepare our injured soldiers for flights to Germany for their continued care.  I have seen our soldiers hold those pillows close to their heats, as if to comfort their pain.  After the soldiers are gone and we prepare the combat beds for the next incoming group, we place the pillows at the head of the bed.  It gives the atmosphere a sense of home.  Thank you so much for your kind and warm note and  gesture of compassion.  I will be stationed here until January 2005, please keep the pillows coming.” Air Force Captain

“I work with injured and or sick troops that are enroute for medical evacuation.  We were able to pass out some pillows from Operation Comfort and these items have greatly motivated and inspired these individuals.  My question is how can I get some more to pass out to these troops?  We see hundreds of troops and I know it is not possible to give to all.  The ones that I would say need it the most are our liter patients.  They lay on the liter for hours enroute to their final destination without a pillow most of the time.” Air Force 1st Lieutenant

NOTE:  After receiving this request we sent 2,500 pillows in our first shipment (July, 2004) and since that time we have been sending “Operation Comfort” pillows in bulk to this and other Medical Facilities in Iraq and in Kuwait as well.

“Yes the pillows are absolutely wonderful...it is especially helpful when we have to sleep in our helmets...it helps to balance it and keep it on (and me safe)...your support is so very much appreciated!” Air Force Major

“I would like to express a small thank you for “Operation Comfort” Pillow gifts!  I couldn’t believe how these small tokens from home meant to us.  They are a perfect, tactical, comfort item-engineered for every method a soldier has to store and transport these luxury items.” Army Captain

“The pillows fit perfect in a pouch in our ruck sacks (backpacks).” Army Private

One of our employees was in the National Guard so I asked him he if had seen guys with small pillows and what he thought of them.  His reply was: “They are awesome can’t have enough, some guys actually get in arguments over them...Are very special to the guys and they love them.”  Also said “Keep making them they can’t get enough of them.” He had seen some so tattered but guys refused to replace with new one."  A Local Businessperson

“U.S. Troop Care Package” received the following E-Mails from an Air Force Chaplain and on June 30, 2005, we received a phone call to tell us that he had returned to the U.S.  The Chaplain thanked us for all that we have done to support the troops and had many other stories about the uses of our pillows that he saw in almost every area of Iraq . . . the stories were unimaginable as well as heart wrenching.

FROM: CAPTAIN QUENTIN D. COLLINS, CHAPLAIN, USAF
TO: U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE
DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2004
SUBJECT: YOU NEED TO KNOW

"I am not sure who exactly sent these pillows, but you must know of an incident that occurred just a few weeks ago and they involved your pillows.  As you may or may not know your pillows have become a mainstay of our troops that deploy “outside” the gates (in other words are deprived of all creature comforts).  Your pillows have inadvertently become “field essential gear.”  Anyway there was a Marine unit in the Chaldean Province that came under attack.  One burly young Marine unfortunately lost his left leg in the attack.  What happened next moved me to tears and was a huge inspiration for the troops in the hospital and has been repeated many times since.  When I saw this young man come in he was on a litter with several small pillows under him (I attached a picture of the litter).  Then it dawned on me and many others that the only thing his “buddies” in the field could do to provide their comrade some comfort was to put their pillows under him, so they did.  They went without their pillows so he could have a comfortable ride in the helicopter.  That is self-less love and a true inspiration to all of us.  I wanted you to know of this incident and to let you know that your self-less love has impacted countless lives, thank you and may God Bless You and may God Bless America."

FROM:  CAPTAIN QUENTIN D. COLLINS, CHAPLAIN, USAF
TO:  U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE
DATE:  NOVEMBER 18, 2004
SUBJECT:  FOLLOW-UP TO U.S. TROOP CARE PACKAGE’S REQUEST TO REPLACE PILLOWS

"We have not forgotten you, it is a bear to find that Platoon but we have it narrowed down to three and we will let you know as soon as we know.  It has been very busy here with the injuries in Fallujah and I have still seen many of your pillows coming in with these troops.  Sometimes it is the only thing they have in their hands (besides small religious medallions).  It is like many of them are using them as security blankets.  It is as heart-warming as it is disheartening to see this and all I want to do is take the pain away from them; but, they will never admit to the pain – just as they will never let go of those pillows.  I had one young Marine who was a Lance Corporal and he made me promise that when he went to surgery that the pillow would be at his bed after he reached recovery.  I followed through and he had it with him afterwards – even though it was a little grimy from all the time he had it in the field.  Later he told me that the pattern reminded him of his “Grammas” bedspread that he remembered as a young child.  It was little flowers and a soft cotton like feel.  Who knows what things these guys key on?  So as I said, thank you and I WILL get you that information as soon as we define it.  Blessings."

ABOUT US – “PROJECT WALTER REED”

In February, 2004, “U.S. Troop Care Package” was asked by an Airman, who had received our Care Packages while deployed in the Middle East to help his fellow Veterans working with the wounded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  Since then we have sent needed clothing such as sweats, underwear, T-Shirts, toiletries, snacks, and games to our wounded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital and these Veterans personally deliver our Care Packages to the wounded.  In addition, “U.S. Troop Care Package” has been asked by a number of U.S. Military Medical Facilities in Iraq and in Kuwait to support their special needs for the wounded.  The following was received by a parent of a wounded soldier at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

“While at Walter Reed Medical Center, I walked out of my room at Mologne House (Fisher House) and ran into a fellow giving away all sorts of things to the injured GI’s.  He gave me a Care Package for my son, who was injured in Iraq.  We are so grateful and feel blessed that there are people like you out there, enduring the time and expense to send these gifts along.  They (soldiers) arrive from Germany with only a hospital gown and your thoughtfulness is really appreciated.  Thank you all-and God Bless you and our Country.”

ABOUT US – “WASHINGTON D.C. VISIT”

In early 2005, “U.S. Troop Care Package” became linked to the Pentagon’s “America Supports You” web site www.americasupportsyou.org and in December, 2005, and again in 2006, “U.S. Troop Care Package” was invited to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. to receive a “thank you” from Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on behalf of all of our volunteers and donors.

While in Washington, D.C. we visited the White House to see the Christmas decorations, toured the Pentagon and met with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and other military leaders.  Additionally, we visited various war memorials including Arlington National Cemetery.  We were honored to visit with the wounded at Walter Reed Army Medical Center which was an unforgettable experience.

“I want to express my appreciation for the invaluable support you provide to our men and women in uniform.  As a member of the “America Supports You” team, your organization helps strengthen the bonds between our military and the Americans they serve.  Thank you for letting service members and their families know how much their fellow Americans value their courage, commitment and sacrifice.”  Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld (2/06)

ABOUT US – “OTHER ACTIVITIES”

Since its inception, “U.S. Troop Care Package” has been involved in other activities involving U.S. Troops including welcoming home returning U.S. Troops, help with bringing Christmas to a military family in need, and offering tours at our headquarters.

“U.S. Troop Care Package” helped a deployed National Guard soldier of six children, deployed just before Christmas 2005, provide Christmas for his wife and children.  With the help of a local business and its patrons, almost $2,000 in gifts was brought to the family home that included bunk beds, food, clothes and toys.

Two second grade classes from a local Elementary School who had made “Operation Comfort” pillows and written letters to deployed and wounded soldiers took a field trip at the end of the school year to tour “U.S. Troop Care Package” headquarters.  Earlier in the year a Care Package was received by a local soldier while hospitalized at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and inside was an “Operation Comfort” pillow and a letter written by one of the second grade students.  The wounded soldier and the second grade student who wrote the letter got to meet one another at our headquarters that day.  Both were overwhelmed with the experience.

ABOUT US – “WHERE VOLUNTEERS WORK”

March 2004, “U.S. Troop Care Package” moved from the storage unit into a facility where we work on a daily basis.  From October, 2004, to February, 2006, we were able to use a 15,000 square foot building two days a month to prepare Care Packages. Hundreds of volunteers from the community and surrounding areas came each month to assist.  Due to space limitations at our headquarters and to provide the opportunity for a multitude of volunteers to participate in the preparation of the Care Packages we take projects to schools, churches and other community locations.

ABOUT US – “DONORS AND DONATIONS”

In November, 2004, “U.S. Troop Care Package” began receiving national recognition from various national radio talk shows and major newspapers all across the country recommending donating to our organization in support of the troops as we were one of the first Care Package organizations in the country.  As a result, we receive donated items from all across the United States to send to the troops.  Support for our U.S. Troops is truly overwhelming.

The Washington State Potato Commission has been donating “Washington State Potato Chips” and writing paper and pens among other items since 2004, which are included in our Care Packages.  The Washington State Potato Commission also ship Potato Chips directly to Walter Reed Hospital for us.

On December 19, 2003, The Music Machine, Kennewick, WA donated over $5,600 worth of musical equipment consisting of two guitars, a drum set, amplifiers, tuners, etc.  On December 24, 2003, the equipment was mailed to an R & R facility in Baghdad where troops will have access to the equipment.  On January 13, 2004 we were notified that the equipment had been received.  An article entitled  “Donation to Baghdad R & R site is music to soldier’s ears” was published on the front page of “The Old Ironside Report” on Friday, June 4, 2004.

ABOUT US – “A GOD THING”

There have been many things that happen to us at “U.S. Troop Care Package” that we can’t explain so we just call it . .  . “A God Thing.”

An Airman from a neighboring community came into our facility after returning from Iraq and wanted to see what we were all about since he had heard about us while he was in Iraq.  He told us that what the troops wanted were Pocket Flags and water guns.  The next day a woman brought in 1,000 Pocket Flags and a few days later someone brought in about 300 water guns.  .  . “A God Thing.”

Often times when one of our bins is empty or when we are out of a specific item, a box will come in the mail or someone will walk in the door with the items needed.  On one occasion a group of young volunteers were putting together Care Packages for the wounded and they ran out of men’s underwear.  Just a few moments later UPS walked in the door with a box from Georgia and the contents included men’s underwear.  .  . “A God Thing.”

On another occasion a local soldier whose husband was in Iraq indicated he wanted a “darn good cup of coffee.”  A few days later we received an E-Mail from a National Coffee Company in Massachusetts who asked how they could help the troops.  We E-Mailed back and said we needed a “darn good cup of coffee.”  We were sent many boxes of coffee, coffee grinders and teas that we added cream and sugar to and forwarded to the soldier.  .  . “A God Thing.”

THERE ARE MANY, MANY MORE STORIES JUST LIKE THESE . .  .

ABOUT US – “CARE PACKAGES”

“U.S. Troop Care Package” receives requests for Care Packages from friends and families of troops from all across the United States.  In addition, requests are received from the troops in-country and from Commanding Officers wanting Care Packages particularly for the troops who never receive mail and/or Care Packages.  Often they ask for Care Packages for their entire units consisting of anywhere from 10 to 1,500 individual troops.  The more Care Packages we send the better known we become among the troops in the some thirty plus countries we send Care Packages to that include:

AFGHANISTAN, AFRICA, BAHRAIN, COLUMBIA, DIEGO GARCIA, ENGLAND, GERMANY, GUANTANAMO BAY, HONDURAS, ICELAND, IRAQ, ITALY, JAPAN, KYRGYZSTAN, KOSOVO, KUWAIT, NICARAGUA, NORWAY, PAKISTAN, QATAR, SAUDI ARABIA, SICILY, SOUTH KOREA, SPAN, THAILAND, TURKEY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, and the PACIFIC OCEAN, PERSIAN GULF, INDIAN OCEAN, MEDITERRANEAN, NORWEGIAN SEA and PACIFIC OCEAN.

A typical Care Package includes about 50+ items of an array of toiletries, snacks, drinks, games, miscellaneous items, writing material, an “Operation Comfort” pillow, a book, letters of support, CD’s/DVD’s, a cool tie, a knitted beanie, and a 1” x 2” pocket flag (an American flag folded to regulation) that troops keep in their pocket or helmet as a “piece of home.”  It is estimated that the contents of each Care Package is valued at about $100.

Every item donated is inspected, sorted, and then put into a zip-lock bag before being put into the Care Package.  We make special “girl” boxes just for female soldiers and often times we are able to personalize a specific Care Package when requested.

As an example, in November, 2004, we received a request from an Airman who wanted 50 Christmas Care Packages so that he could have a “Combat Christmas Party.”  We obliged his request and included a 6’ Christmas tree with all the trimmings along with a stuffed Santa Claus and Christmas stockings.

On July 20, 2004, "U.S. Troop Care Package" took about 4,500 pounds of donated items to Camp Murray in Tacoma, WA to be distributed to our troops in the Middle East.  We had almost 400 Care Packages filled with over 3,000 books, video tapes, pillows, toiletries, snacks, etc.  It was a very emotional day.  Our trailer was backed up to the door and our volunteers along with soldiers, made a human chain handing off the packages from the trailer to inside of the building.

One soldier in particular who had just returned from Iraq and who had been injured insisted on removing every Care Package from the trailer by himself even though he was asked to get out three times because they were afraid he would injure himself even more.  That act of kindness was apparently his way of helping the soldiers he had left behind.  All of us were extremely moved by his gesture.

“U.S. Troop Care Package” has become a formidable grassroots effort to support the troops and now averages about 500+ volunteers each month.  Many volunteers work at home across the country creating “Operation Comfort” pillows, cool ties, knitted beanies, pocket flags, toiletry bags and lap blankets for the wounded, and much more.

ABOUT US – “OPERATION $9.90”

“U.S. Troop Care Package” uses the U.S. Post Office Flat-Rate Priority Box that is 8 ½” x 11” x 5 ½” deep to mail individual Care Packages.

Individual Care Packages are generally mailed on a weekly basis, year around at a cost of $9.90 each.  “U.S. Troop Care Package” uses “Operation $9.90” in an effort to raise the necessary funds to mail the Care Packages requested.  “U.S. Troop Care Package” holds the largest postage receipts and largest number of boxes ever mailed at one time from the local Mail Handling facility.  Because of the volume of Care Packages, “U.S. Troop Care Package” has spent as long as six-hours at the Post Office.  Postal patrons have often rolled up their sleeves and assisted us or have given up their position in line to allow us to go to the front of the line to mail the Care Packages to the U.S. Troops.  A very inspirational experience.

ABOUT US – “CHILDREN’S LETTERS TO THE TROOPS”

“Thank you for protecting our country.  Don’t worry about getting hurt, I almost broke my bone.  Just make sure to drink your milk and eat your vegetables.”

“Could you please send me a tank for my birthday February 21st.”

“My family and I pray for you every night.  Thanks to you I can have a peaceful life.”

“Thank you for helping our Country to be free.  I hope you are OK in the war.  I hope all of the soldiers are safe.  I am proud to be an American.  I am thinking about you everywhere I go.”

ABOUT US – “U.S. TROOPS”

“Didn’t expect a package to come that good.  It made my day.” Army Specialist

“Thank you so much for the care package.  I can’t tell you how much I appreciated it and the card inside made me cry.  It was a little slice of home just when I needed it the most.” Air Force Tech Sergeant

NOTE: The card referred to is a card “U.S. Troop Care Package” puts in each and every Care Package and reads:

“Our community extends our deepest appreciation and gratitude for all that you do for our country.  YOU make us proud to be Americans.”

“How did you ever fit all that into one box?!  You did a great job of packing a lot of goodies into the box!  And all the variety!  There’s always been something from the package that really hit the spot!  Army Major

“I received the US Troop Care Package.  I had to fight off my work staff to get my fair share.  Everything in the box was “high demand” and the box was empty in less than 5 minutes.  My favorite item was the small American flag.  I plan to carry it with me through the rest of my tour.”  Army Major

“Although many groups are putting together care packages for the troops, I have never had such a well organized and fully stocked package.  They are GREAT!  Although I will not use everything in the box, there is a lot of bartering and swapping going on.” Army Captain

”I believe your sources of what is needed out here is right on the money.” Army Sergeant

“It was almost like you could read our minds because the things you sent were greatly appreciated and very much needed.” Army Lance Corporal