Local soldier family support group makes kits for Iraq

By Scott Nicholson

nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

The Family Support Group for the 1451st National Guard Transportation Company has been working with other family support groups to help soldiers in Iraq get convenience and personal items and is also planning a Christmas event for families.

The Boone-based group recently mailed a number of items to a military base so they can be shipped overseas. The shipment included 40 handheld spotlights, 40 first aid kits, and 18 tool kits and mounted lights for the company’s vehicles. The items were donated by Norman Cheek, a local car dealer and veteran who has headed up a number of collection efforts.

The family support group also sent “motivational T-shirts” bearing the company name.

Barbara Daye and Dale Harrington, who help organize support group efforts, said 23 boxes were shipped out recently and that shipping costs had become one of the main reasons that cash donations were needed.

The support group works both as an emotional support network and as a liaison group matching needs with soldiers. That includes a month teleconference with the unti commander, as well as contact with the National Guard’s regional family support contact. Daye said any soldier who doesn’t have family can be “adopted” by people who want to write to the soldier and send care items.

On Sept. 10, the group participated in Family Day, joining with groups from the 1450th and 630th companies. Money raised at the event went to the 630th group, whose family members were recently activated and thus the Lenoir-based group was newly formed.

“Individuals, church groups and families knock themselves out collecting money and food,” Daye said. “When a church or any group does this, we know it’s something close to their hearts and something they want to do. It’s important to know there’s a lot of people involved in this.”

David Bickel and Sandra Bickel join in on the teleconferences because they have a son overseas, as does Harrington. Daye has no relatives in action but worked with some of the soldiers in her former job at Appalachian State University.

The family support group has been working since the unit first received word in 2004 that it would be activated, and the company is now in the middle of its second tour of duty. The support group has sponsored drives to collect phone cards, paperback books and magazines, and now is seeking microwaveable foods such as popcorn, soup and noodles since many quarters are equipped with microwaves. Gatorade, lemonade, and individual packages that can be used to flavor water are also desired. Nuts, trail mix and other salty snacks are accepted, as well as money. While in the beginning donations were used to buy supplies and goods, now most of the money goes toward postage and shipping. Daye said the group spends about $250 a month shipping the collected goods.

The local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is collecting goods to give away as Christmas gifts to soldiers’ families, with presents for all ages needed. In addition to toys and stuffed animals for younger children, gift cards and movie tickets are being collected for older children. All children and each family will receive a present, and the family support group is also looking for sponsors who will help prepare or donate food for a large meal. All family members of active-duty soldiers will be invited.

The VFW is also collecting replacement supplies for the first aid kits, including bandages, over-the-counter painkillers, sanitary wipes and ointment. Other items are listed at www.unmetneeds.org.

Support groups distribute material to children such as coloring books that help them understand why their father or mother is overseas and the unit also has staff that talks to school counselors. Information is also available for parents to help them talk about the issue with their children.

The support group has its own Web site at www.145st.com. For donations or more information, call Daye at 264-2070 or Harrington at 264-7489.