Posted at: 02/25/2012 9:17 PM
Updated at: 02/25/2012 10:42 PM
By: Andrew Lovelette
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(ABC 6 NEWS) -- While many troops are coming home from the war in Iraq there are still soldiers that remain stationed around the world waiting for their call, some of them in our area.
Saturday, a group of people got together to send them something to remind them that their work is not going unnoticed.
It started out as just a group of snowmobilers and their vintage sled show, but has since turned into "Operation Vintage Pride", a race that raises money for troops overseas.
"Someone had actually suggested why not send care packages out to the troops. We figured it would be a good way to take care of the guys overseas and let them know even though they're gone we're still thinking of them," says Jake Weaver, race director for Operation Vintage Pride.
The snowmobilers package snacks like beef jerky, candy bars and personal items to be sent to local soldiers deployed in Kuwait. It's something that the troops hold dear to their hearts.
"Getting a package like this from home is kind of like a little kid at Christmas time, you know, you run down the stairs and you can't wait to see all the presents. So it means a lot to the troops just to have that community support and just to know that they're thinking about them and the chocolate helps too," says Sergeant Amber Steele, recruiter for the Minnesota National Guard of Albert Lea.
But as much as it helps the soldiers get through tough times across the ocean, it's also a reminder for their families of how much they're missed.
"It's not easy. I personally grew up an army brat so I do know how that feels, the kids especially I think they're more affected by it," says Steele.
The 50 care packages will be shipped out in the next few weeks and the organizers hope it will tide them over until they are able to make their own journey home.
"We're trying to make them feel every bit as home still even though they're not at home, make them realize they're not forgotten," says Weaver.
Girl Scout Troop 43224 of Albert Lea helped with the packaging. The next Operation Vintage snowmobile event is scheduled to take place September 22nd at the Mower County Fairgrounds.
Source: http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/s2512588.shtml?cat=10151
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