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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Brendan P. Bartholomew, San Francisco Examiner
Crocker Middle School students packed up donated items into an Army Humvee in Hillsborough, Calif., to send to troops in Afghanistan. (Courtesy LeAnn Thornton)
HILLSBOROUGH, Calif. — U.S. Army personnel recently visited Crocker Middle School in Hillsborough, where students filled their Humvee with care packages bound for troops in Afghanistan.
The event capped what has become an annual tradition at the school, where kids reach out to their community, soliciting donations of food, personal care products, holiday decorations, and other items intended to provide soldiers overseas with the comforts of home.
Hillsborough adopted the Army’s 1st Brigade combat team, 101st Airborne Division (air assault) in 2007. Crocker Middle School began collaborating with the city and the Hillsborough Police Department on the Adopt-A-Unit campaign in 2012, when coordinator LeAnn Thornton contacted teacher Audrey Fairchild, asking if her students would sign a holiday banner for deployed troops. The students responded by asking what other forms of support they could provide.
This year, the unit from 101st Airborne is back home, so the school adopted the Kentucky Army National Guard’s 1163rd Area Support Medical Company, a team of reservists whose ranks include a police officer and a commercial airline pilot, along with doctors, nurses, and EMT firefighters.
The 1163rd ASMC is attached to an Army combat hospital in Afghanistan, where they provide emergency medical services, both to base personnel and individuals airlifted in from other locations.
The soldiers say the care packages have a positive impact on troop morale by uplifting the spirits of those serving abroad.
Army recruiter Staff Sgt. John Kaleski and reservist Sgt. Rick Nelson accompanied the Humvee at Crocker. Kaleski enjoyed talking with the students about everything from “Star Wars” to their favorite football and soccer teams. He was deployed in Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in
2004.
“We had all the local kids talking like Snoop Dogg,” Kaleski laughed.
According to Thornton, the care packages have played a role in establishing good will with Afghan children. Last year, Crocker students collected about 100 pounds of
Halloween candy, which they included in the care packages. This year, the students collected three times that amount.
When troops shared the candy with Afghani kids, the children responded by showing them where hidden explosives were located. “The Halloween candy literally saved lives,” Thornton said.
Kaleski noted the Army has base stores where deployed troops can acquire life’s necessities, but the inventory rarely changes. Part of a care packages’ magic is it might contain specific brands that remind a soldier of home. “When my sister was sending me a care package, all I wanted was Chef Boyardee Beefaroni,” Kaleski said.
Sentiments like Kaleski’s are part of Crocker student Jocelyn Murphy’s motivation for participating in the care package campaign.
“As they’re putting their lives on the line, they deserve something they actually recognize from home,” Murphy said.
Fellow student Christopher Mahoney also talked about the life-and-death stakes deployed soldiers might face.
“I think it’s good to support troops because they’re risking their lives,” Mahoney said, “They enlisted, and that’s very selfless.”
See the original story at the San Francisco Examiner here.
Story by Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Representatives from Ale-8-One delivered donations to the Kentucky National Guard’s Operation Military Cheer in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Dec. 9, 2014. Pictured left to right: Shirley Thornberry, Cindy Culver, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Hunt, Linda Jones, Fielding Rogers, Ann Ripy, Pam Brough, Capt. Geremy Harper. (Photo by Olivia Burton)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard’s annual Operation Military Cheer got some additional help this year from a famous Kentucky company.
As a part of its #P8TRIOT campaign this season, Ale-8-One partnered with Operation Military Cheer to donate to the American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34.
Cindy Culver, Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Coordinator hugs a child at “Santa’s workshop” of Operation Military Cheer in Lawrenceburg, Ky., Dec. 9, 2014. Culver said the program assisted 151 military families and nearly 400 children in Kentucky for 2014. (Photo by Olivia Burton)
Ale-8-One team members visited Patriot Hall in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, on Dec. 9 to bring the toys and of course, cases of Ale-8-One for the volunteers and families. On-site to greet the Ale-8-One team members were members of the Kentucky Guard and the American Legion Auxiliary.
“It was truly a joy for our employees to collect toys and gifts for such a wonderful organization,” said Fielding Rogers, 4th Generation Owner of Ale-8-One. “Operation Military Cheer brings smiles to so many faces during the holidays and we were pleased to play just a small part.”
The toy drive was part of an effort by the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Assistance Center to ensure that the children of Kentucky’s military families across all of the uniform services – active duty and reserve, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – have a memorable holiday season. Contributions for this year’s drive came from a wide range of sources, local businesses, civilians, churches and schools as well as Kentucky National Guard troops and their families.
“Every year my family donates to multiple charities, food drives and participate in Operation Military Cheer,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Peel. “Donating money to charities is easy but isn’t something that gets kids excited. Operation Military Cheer provided me the opportunity to get my children more involved in giving. My kids now look forward to this time of year and start asking me in November if the announcements have come out.”
“We are so pleased to let everyone know that we had 151 families ask for assistance and that included 384 kids,“ Cindy Culver gladly announced to the Family Programs Office in Frankfort, Kentucky. “With the support of local organizations, businesses, and good Samaritans, toys were distributed to families across the Commonwealth in an effort to make the holidays a little brighter for service members.”
Story by Sgt. Brandy Mort, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Child and Youth Coordinators, Cindy Culver and Linda Jones, collect presents donated by representatives from the Home Builders Association of Lexington Dec. 5, 2014 in Lexington, Ky. (Photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort, Kentucky Army National Guard, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The third annual collaboration for Operation Military Cheer kicked off Dec. 5, 2014 as members of the Home Builders Association of Lexington came together and handed off donated Christmas presents to members of the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Assistance Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
Lead Child and Youth Coordinator, Cindy Culver, helps facilitate most family programs throughout the year. Up to this point, she and the rest of the FAC have prepared mostly by collecting information for children and families for the holiday season.
“Today is when we really start kicking off Operation Military Cheer 2014,” said Culver. “After we receive the donations, we can get to work on providing gifts for tons of military families.”
The HBA filled a box truck with so many donations, that some gifts carried over into the back of another truck. One gift in particular, was greatly appreciated by Cindy.
“Every year we have special requests from children,” said Cindy. “This year a child asked Santa for a Power Wheels toy and, if he got it, he promised to share with his brother. Well the Home Builders Association, without hesitation, granted that child his wish.”
Operation Military Cheer means something different to another Family Assistance Center associate, Child and Youth Coordinator, Linda Jones. For her, Operation Military Cheer is the perfect time to give back to those who have sacrificed for her and others around her.
Sgt. 1st Class Paul Hunt and representatives from both the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Assistance Center and the Home Builders Association of Lexington work together to load a box truck full of toy donations Dec. 5, 2014 in Lexington, Ky. (Photo by Sgt. Brandy Mort, Kentucky Army National Guard, 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
The representatives from the HBA were very proud to offer the donations. President of Home Builder Cares, and a member of the HBA board, James Monroe, brought his family to include his wife Martha and his daughter Mary.
“This is a very important relationship we have with the members of the Kentucky National Guard,” said James. “I’m happy that my family and I can help our Soldiers.”
Cindy hopes this will be another successful year and is confident in the success of Operation Military Cheer for the years to come.
“At the end of all this,” said Culver. “I have a peace in my heart when I can sit down and eat with my family on Christmas, and know that other families are doing the same thing, with our help. The smiles on their faces mean much more to me than anything else.”
By 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Melissa Longhofer, an orderly room administrator with the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, plays bingo with her daughter during the 123rd Airlift Wing’s family holiday party at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 2, 2012. The annual event also offered snacks and prizes for the more than 85 children who participated. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Maxwell Rechel)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Christmas came a little early this year for the children of Kentucky Air National Guard members when Santa stopped by the 123rd Airlift Wing for the unit’s family holiday celebration Dec. 2.
More than 85 boys and girls turned out for the annual party, which provided each youngster with the opportunity to pose for a picture with Santa and take home a sack full of presents donated by area businesses, said Dave Rooney, program manager for the wing’s Airman and Family Readiness Group.
The daughter and son of Senior Airman Jose Lopez Castro, a crew chief for the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, talk with Santa Claus during the 123rd Airlift Wing’s family holiday party at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 2, 2012. The annual event also offered snacks and prizes for the more than 85 children who participated. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Maxwell Rechel)
“I believe it was probably our best children’s Christmas party yet,” Rooney said. “This is my fifth one, and it seems to get bigger year after year after year.”
Rooney expressed his gratitude to the more than 20 volunteers who operated games, painted faces and handed out door prizes during the celebration.
“A big thanks to Ms. Sharon Williams, our top volunteer, for a lot of the planning, and to our key volunteer groups, who were instrumental in the party’s success,” he said. “Their contributions were huge.”
The son of Staff Sgt. James Edington, a crew chief in the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, plays a game during the 123rd Airlift Wing’s family holiday party at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 2, 2012. The annual event also offered snacks and prizes for the more than 85 children who participated. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Maxwell Rechel)
Story by Lt. Col. Kirk Hilbrecht, Director of Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
Pictures by Maj. David Page, Public Affairs, Kentucky National Guard
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS
Governor and first lady, Steve and Jane Beshear, examine Leland Caty's specially decorated keep-sake during a holiday celebration held December 3 at the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion armory located in Independence, Ky. The Governor was accompanied by Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, the adjutant general, and his wife, Carol. Leland's step-father, Spc. Neal A. McIver is a member of the 1204th.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (3 DEC)- Governor Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear joined Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini and his wife, Carol in a holiday visit on Dec. 3 with the families of the Kentucky National Guard’s 1204th Aviation Support Battalion in Independence, Ky. and the Agribusiness Development Team3 in Frankfort, Ky.
“The folks over there couldn’t do their jobs without these families giving them support,” said Beshear to a gathering of families from the 1204th.
Captain Brandon C. Candee helps son, Cade, with a puzzle during the Joint Forces Headquarters holiday celebration held December 3 in Frankfort, Ky., the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
The 1204th ASB is made up of approximately 325 Soldiers from Kentucky and another 275 from Alabama, Florida and Maryland. The troops are currently deployed to Iraq and Kuwait where they are performing aviation maintenance missions in support of Operation New Dawn. They are expected to return home sometime later next year.
After a morning visit in Independence, the Governor and Adjutant General flew to Frankfort to share time with families and Soldiers at their holiday banquet.
“We’re thankful for all of the families and all the support they give our Troops. Our Soldiers and Airmen can’t do their jobs without the support of our loved-ones here at home,” Tonini expressed to a packed hall at the Capitol Plaza in Frankfort.
The luncheon in Frankfort honored the families of the Joint Force Headquarters of the Kentucky National Guard, as well as the families of the Kentucky Guard Agribusiness Development Team 3 currently serving in Afghanistan. The banquet hall had a two-way video conference with the Troops in Afghanistan, 8 ½ hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
The Waller family, Shannon, wife, Matthew and Madalyn, children talke with loved one, Sgt. Kerry Waller, who is a member of Kentucky National Guard's Agribusiness Development Teams (ADT) III currently deployed to Afghanistan, over video during a holiday celebration held December 3 in Frankfort, Ky., the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
“This kind of communication keeps everyone positive especially during the holidays when it’s harder with the distance and everything,” said Kristine Mullaney, wife of the KYNG ADT3 Commander, Col. Neil Mullaney.
With approximately 45 Soldiers and Airmen, KYADT 3 is charged with sustaining the relationships built between former KYADTs and Afghan farmers to ensure the country becomes agriculturally self-sufficient through development of the agricultural marketplace. The unit is expected to return home early next year.
Since 9/11, more than 14,000 Kentucky National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have mobilized in support of the Global War on Terror. The Kentucky National Guard currently has nearly 1,700 troops deployed worldwide.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS
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Santa gets a little help from Kentucky National Guard Youth Program Coordinator Cindy Culver and some volunteers during last year’s Operation Military Cheer. More than 440 young people from military families received clothes, shoes, and toys donated by service members, veterans and community organizations. (Kentucky National Guard file photo)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Can you believe that it’s that time of year? With the holidays right around the corner it’s time for all of us in the Kentucky National Guard family to reach out and help our fellow soldiers and airmen who may need assistance.
And what’s the most effective and direct way to do that? Why, Operation Military Cheer, of course!
“Last year we were able to provide gifts consisting of clothes, shoes, and toys for over 440 youth in the Kentucky National Guard,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator. “This year we hope to provide for even more.”
“There is a great need for support out there,” said Linda Jones, State Youth Assistant Coordinator. “With the help of each service member, Family Readiness Group, and especially our local communities, we can bring a lot of comfort to these military families that sacrifice so much of themselves for our country.”
Do you need assistance?
Are you or do you know a service member in need? The FAC has applications that will help you get assistance in time for the holidays. If you know someone who might need a little help, encourage them to fill one out. Deadline for the application is December 5.
Helping a military family
You may also choose to adopt one of our military families. Once you file an application the FAC will will contact you with the age, gender, sizes, and special interests of a child you can assist. Packages must be delivered to the Kentucky National Guard Child and Youth Services in Frankfort no later than December 12.
Click here for Operation Military Cheer 2011 applications
Operation Military Cheer 2014 Application
For more information contact Cindy Culver [email protected] or Linda Jones [email protected]. You can also call them at 1-800-372-7601.
DWA
Kristen Arnett helps Santa sort through just a small portion of the toys collected by the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2010) — The 2010 Kentucky National Guard Christmas toy drive reached new heights with a massive effort between Guard members, Families and friends across the Commonwealth.
The toy drive is part of Operation Military Cheer, an effort by the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Assistance Center to ensure that the children of Kentucky’s military Families have a memorable Christmas.
“We support all military Families, not just the Guard,” said Cindy Culver,state youth coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “And there is plenty of need to go around.”
Between multiple deployments and the spiraling economy, Kentucky’s Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have been hit particularly hard this year with an unemployment rate of more than 20 percent.
“In the Kentucky Guard alone we have more than 420 children who are asking for help and the requests keep coming in,” said Culver. “That’s up more than a hundred from last year.”
Santa gets a helping hand from Shelia Brookins, wife of Sgt. Darrell Brookins. More than 600 toys were collected by LBAR, destined for military families in need across Kentucky.
The good news is that charity is still alive. One of the most significant contributors for this year’s drive was the
Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors. This is the fourth consecutive year that LBAR has partnered with the Kentucky Guard for a toy drive. A trailer filled with everything from dolls to bicycles was collected by the association’s membership. Gift cards totaling $1,125 were also collected during the effort.
“We do this to give back to the Guard,” said Rock Daniels, who organized the LBAR toy drive. “They do so much for us, we really pushed hard to make this happen.”
Capt. Bryan Combs presents Rock Daniels with a token of appreciation for his efforts in organizing the Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors toy drive.
Daniels credited Jesse Hardin of Flagstar Bank, real estate attorney Dan Miller and property inspector John Bain for making significant contributions toward the cause.
“Together these gentlemen contributed more than $900 for the drive,” said Daniels. “They were huge in making this happen.”
The Lexington chapter of the Disabled American Veterans was another driving force in the LBAR drive, contributing six of the bicycles.
“This is our third year in helping out the service members and their Families,” said Les Mulcahy, commander of the Lexington DAV chapter. “We’ve all been in their shoes and know what they’re going through. It is an honor to serve.”
Danny Jones gathers up two of the bicycles donated by the Lexington chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.
Santa and his elves: Soldiers, spouses and volunteers, all pulling together to make the holidays a time of hope and joy.
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To find out how you can become part of Operation Military Cheer contact: Cindy Culver @ [email protected] or Linda Jones @ [email protected]. You can also reach them through the Family Assistance Center hotline at 1-800-372-7601.
To see more photos from Operation Military Cheer visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyngpao.
DWA
Story and photo by David Altom, KYNG Public Affairs
Frankfort, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2010) — Charity begins at home, so the saying goes, and Kentucky National Guard troops and their families are banding together for the sixth year in a row to create a little comfort and joy during the holiday season.
Linda Jones and Cindy Culver pull double duty with the Family Assistance Center as "Christmas elves" as part of the Kentucky National Guard's Operation Military Cheer. At last count more than 210 Guard youth have been designated to receive gifts ... and the number keeps on growing.
“Times are tough for a lot of our Guard families the past few years,” said Cindy Culver, State Youth Coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “And in Kentucky we’re all family, so we’re getting together to take care of each other.”
“Getting together” is what the Kentucky Guard’s Family Assistance Center does best. Since 2005 the FAC has run Operation Military Cheer, connecting those in need with those who can.
The process is fairly simple: Guard families who cannot afford holiday gifts apply for assistance through the FAC and those requests are handed out to donors who want to help their fellow Soldiers and Airmen.
That first Christmas the program supported about 40 children in need and the numbers have grown every year since. Culver cited the uniqueness of the National Guard as a definite factor in the program.
Wrapped up and ready to go under the Christmas tree! This gift bag is numbered and targeted for a Guard family in the Morehead area.
“When you think National Guard you have to remember that most of our troops have civilian jobs that are affected by the economy,” said Culver. “So many are affected, especially with layoffs and cutbacks going on all across the workforce. Last year we were able to help more than 300 youth in the Kentucky National Guard family. So far this year we’ve got requests to provide for more than 210 youth from 87 families. We expect that number to increase significantly over the next several days.”
Requested items range from bicycles and toys to clothing.
“Anything is a good thing,” said Culver. “We just want everyone to get something for Christmas.”
The deadline to apply for assistance is Dec. 7. All applications received after that will be considered on a case by case basis.
To find out how you can become part of Operation Military Cheer contact: Cindy Culver @ [email protected] or Linda Jones @ [email protected]. You can also reach them through the Family Assistance Center hotline at 1-800-372-7601.
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DWA
Frankfort, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2010) — You only have a couple of days to act if you
want to make sure your loved ones overseas have a merry Christmas and a happy
New Year!
Jennifer Mason and her husband Chief Warrant Officer Travis Mason join their daughter, Ashley Best, in putting together Christmas packages for deployed troops. (Photo courtesy Military Missions)
“We encourage everyone to get their care packages in the mail by this Saturday,” said Jim Barber, Family Assistance Coordinator for the Kentucky National Guard. “That’s the deadline for getting presents to the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in time for the holidays.”
Barber says the Family Assistance Center gets a lot of calls this time every year about sending care packages.
“We can provide information on what units are deployed and addresses to send gifts,” he said. “The one thing we don’t do is provide postage. The sender has to take care of that.”
Becky Walton and Beth Bates work on Christmas cards to send to the troops. Becky's husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Walton, is with the 1204th Aviation Support Battalion. Beth's husband, Maj. Frederick Bates, is with Agribusiness Development Team II in Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy Military Missions)
Local groups have already gotten a head start on making sure the holidays are celebrated by troops overseas. Jennifer Mason, a Family Readiness Support Assistant with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, organized a recent packing party for Operation Send Christmas held in Frankfort.
“We sorted and separated donated items and packed them up to be sent to every deployed Kentucky service member,” said Mason. “We send packages to troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo. We want everyone to know that they’ve been in our thoughts.”
Mason credits Beth Pennington, founder of the Lexington, Ky.-based Military Missions for getting the packages to the troops.
“A lot of troops don’t get anything from home,” said Mason. “Beth works with the units to make sure everyone gets something for Christmas.”
There are some limitations on what you can send. Restrictions include no alcohol, drugs and other contraband. A complete list can be found at your local post office. Also, a customs form must be completed listing the items contained within each package. That form can be obtained at the post office or downloaded at www.usps.com.
Call the Family Assistance Center at 800-372-7601 for more information on sending packages to the troops overseas.
To learn more about Military Missions visit www.military-missions.org.
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