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WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 19, 2009) - A
Colorado-based group is connecting deployed troops with volunteers
eager to "adopt" them.
Since its inception four years ago, "Adopt a U.S. Soldier" has
connected more than 100,000 servicemembers to 265,000 supportive
Americans who have sent them regular care packages, wrote letters
and, on occasion, run errands for family members.
"It's been such a privilege to work with this organization and
see it grow to what it is today," Ann Johnson, the group's founder
and chief executive officer, said. "We are committed to our
Soldiers. We love them. We will continue to do this work for them
and their families."
Johnson started the group when her son, Paul, was stationed in
Iraq. She asked her friends if they would help to support his unit.
They agreed and sent nearly $3,000 of care-package items. Johnson
extended her support to other deployed troops, and the program
began.
Jacob Poehls,8, and his mother, Nora Hall -- both group
volunteers -- were featured recently on the NBC Today Show, along
with their adopted servicemember, Marine Corps Sgt. Balthazar
Pineda.
Hall said it was a privilege for her son, who has a learning
disability, to have a Marine pen pal. The experience has given him
confidence as well as a reason to work on his reading and writing
skills, she said.
Beth Ann Alitt, of Encinitas, Calif., who also has adopted
several Soldiers over the years, said she feels as if she is now an
official "Army mom."
"Since I've started, I've met so many Soldiers and their
families," she said. "You adopt one. He returns home. Then you
adopt another and another. You send care packages. You e-mail. You
do things with their kids; you just instantly become a part of
their family."
Satin Modesitt of Vero Beach, Fla., said the program establishes
a lasting connection to the Soldier.
"It is so rewarding when your Soldier comes home," Modesitt
said. "You are just so relieved. You just feel like it is your son,
brother, daughter or sister. This has just been an amazing thing
for my family. We have grown, along with the military families
we've touched."
To join the group, volunteers can register online at the Adopt a U.S.
Soldier Web site.
"We try to make the process as easy as possible," Johnson said.
"The great thing about this is you can adopt more than one Soldier,
and many Soldiers are adopted by others so you can share in your
commitment."
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