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WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 2008) - For deployed troops, hearing
about support from back home can do wonders for morale, but getting
a big box full of goodies and necessities is even better.
"The 'American Troop Support Team' has been formed to provide
tangible support to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces,
particularly those currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan,"
Joseph Natale, the team's founder, said. "They deserve to know that
we, at the grassroots level, are here for them."
The packages, full of donated snacks, personal hygiene items,
reading material and the occasional special request, all are packed
in Natale's Pennsylvania basement. In addition to the goodies, each
box includes letters expressing support for the troops.
The American Troop Support Team's goal is to send as many boxes
as it can, and this will be its only project until the need for
care packages isn't so great, Natale said. The group does hold
fundraisers throughout the year to pay for supplies and shipping
costs.
"When the need for our boxes diminishes, we will be establishing
an annual scholarship fund for the children of fallen and disabled
[servicemembers]," he said.
A new supporter of the Defense Department's "America Supports
You" program, American Troop Support Team hopes the affiliation
will offer national exposure and, consequently, more troops to whom
the members can send their packages of support, Natale said.
America Supports You connects citizens and companies with
servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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