The deadline to send packages for military troops from Eastern Upper Peninsula for Valentine’s Day arrival is Saturday, January 30. Linda Beaumont of the local Red Cross Chapter has been collecting names and addresses of local military personnel since November for the effort, and they are provided here.

“We will continue to collect and publish names encouraging residents to send cards, letters, or packages so the local soldiers know we are supporting and thinking of them,” said Ms. Beaumont.

The recently deployed 1437th National Guard Unit can now receive cards and packages in Iraq. For packages to be shared among the group, please address them to:

2nd Bridge Platoon c/o 1LT, WILLSON, ALEK 250th Engineer Company APO, AE 09322

Specific packages and letters can be addressed to: Rank, Last name, First name 250th Engineer Company

APO, AE 09322

For a list of all the names in this unit, call Ms. Beaumont at (906) 632-8111 or e-mail ccarc@lighthouse.net.

What to send:

Ideas of what to send can be found on Web sites such as www.armywives.com. They include food items such as conversational heart candies and Rice Krispie treats because they travel well. Other snack items are tuna in the “fresh pouch,” beef sticks, cheese and cracker packages, cookies, candy, bubble gum. Snack mixes, trail mix, puddings, and applesauce with pop-off lids are well received. Sending chocolate is discouraged at this time of year because of the heat.

Small comfort items may include foot powder, socks, eye drops, tea bags, instant coffee, and powdered drinks such as lemonade. Other ideas are a roll of stamps, board games, Slinkys, Nerf balls, squirt guns, and paperback novels.

How to send:

Information for how to pack and mail is posted at www.us ps.com/supportingourtroops/. The easiest method by which to ship care packages is to use flat rate Priority Mail boxes available free from the Post Office.

The Chippewa County Chapter, which includes Mackinac and Luce Counties, will continue to facilitate the collecting of military names and addresses. Please e-mail, ccarc@lighthouse.net if possible, or call (906) 632-8111 the complete military address. Many volunteer opportunities are also available with the local chapter.

Family members of the EUP soldiers have submitted the following names for publication. Even if a soldier may be moving to a different location, the military addresses will remain accurate as they are published.
Returning from Iraq to
North Carolina in January
A1C Gary Berkompas
USAF/322 ECES/PF
APO, AE 09315-9997
Corporal Doll-Miller Kathy A
8th COMM BN
BRAVO Det A
Unit 73431
FPO AE 09509-3431
Stationed in Texas
E1 Dane F Christiansen
8854
527 I Avenue
Unit 2475
Sheppard AFB, TX 76311-9999
AB Mullins, Andrew R
PSC3
1320 Truemper ST UNIT 370066
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-3704
Afghanistan
Sgt. Robert Gustafson
6/2/201 OMLT
FOB BOSTICK
APO AE 09354
Morris, James C.
HHC BSB 173 "Riggers"
FOB SHANK
APO AE 09364
BU2 Pierce Michael
NMCB22 Camp Moreell
APO AE 09815
Thadius Ryan
HHC 173rd STB
FOB SHANK
APO AE 09364

Kuwait
Amn Nathan Miller
386 ELRS/LGRA
APO, AE 09855
Germany
Staff Sergeant Joseph J. Bellant
PSC3 Box 2132
APO AE 09021
PVT. Allen M. Foster
CMR 415 Box 8299
APO AE 09114
Pvt Rutledge Derek B
Charlie Company
CMR 405 Box # 6218
APO AE 09034
Japan
PFC Stark, Samuel
3rd MEF
5th Anglico Unit 35607
FPO-AP 96606-5607
South Korea
SPC Veit, Nicholas
6137 FA
Unit #15405
Box 5-9
APO AP 96224
Unknown Location
Sgt. Diane Soczek
JLTS 57
424 MTD 586LRS
APO AE 09366