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© 2013 KentuckyGuard
By Olivia Burton, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Over the past several years, Home Builders Care, in partnership with Members of the Home Builders Association of Lexington have collected toys, bicycles, clothing, musical instruments and gift cards that have been distributed to more than 650 Kentucky Guard families.
Operation Military Cheer has become a momentous occasion for the local community and military families needing a little help around the holiday season. This year was no exception.
Sgt. Stephanie Williams and Sgt. 1st Class Charity Lane help load donations from the Home Builders Association in Lexington, Ky., Dec. 11, 2015. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
“In 2011, we started a non-profit here at the Home Builders Association called Home Builders Care. Our involvement in Operation Military Cheer has grown tremendously, especially this year,” said Treasurer Don Sullivan. “It is well worth the work and preparation. This is my Christmas.”
Once the toys were collected at the Home Builders Association in Lexington, they were transported to the “North Pole” at the American Legion Auxiliary in Anderson County. Donations flooded Unit 34, ranging from large corporations to single contributors. Ale 8, Mayfield Academy, The Lexington Church and tenants at Bluegrass Army Depot also took the opportunity to help out.
Once the items were organized by local volunteers, they were sent to 16 armories across the state. From Pikeville to Murray, 148 families, including 379 children, will have a little more to smile about this Christmas.
Child and Youth Programs Coordinator Linda Jones shared their reason for the season, “It not only warms my heart to see all these kids get gifts for Christmas that wouldn’t have otherwise, but it warms my heart to see fellow military families and the community step up and take care of these kids for Christmas.
Kentucky National Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 teamed up for the annual Operation Military Cheer to benefit military families during the holiday. (Kentucky National Guard photo by Olivia Burton)
The Kentucky Guard and The American Legion Auxiliary Anderson Unit 34 have spearheaded the drive to serve families in need this holiday season.
On behalf of the State Family Programs Office, we would like to thank everyone for their contributions and sacrifices made to provide help to our families. If you would like to learn more about this program or are a Service member in need of assistance, please call 1-800-372-7601 opt 1.
Story by Master Sgt. Phil Speck, 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office
Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson (left), command chief master sergeant of the 123rd Airlift Wing, and Amy Quimby, the wing’s Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager, unload Operation Military Cheer Christmas gifts at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Dec. 17, 2014. The gifts, donated by the American Legion Auxiliary’s Anderson Unit 34 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, will be provided to the children of 11 Kentucky Air National Guard Airmen. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Operation Military Cheer will make Christmas a little brighter for 11 Kentucky Air National Guard families this year.
The annual campaign, coordinated in partnership with Cindy Culver and Linda Jones of the Kentucky National Guard Youth Program, collected dozens of toys, games and bicycles for 12 children of Kentucky Air National Guardsmen.
The gifts were donated by the American Legion Auxiliary’s Anderson Unit 34 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, according to Amy Quimby, Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager for the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing.
Chief Master Sgt. Ray Dawson (left), command chief master sergeant of the 123rd Airlift Wing, and Senior Master Sgt. Darryl Loafman, the wing’s ground safety manager, unload a child’s bike as part of Operation Military Cheer at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., on Dec. 17, 2014. The gifts, donated by the American Legion Auxiliary’s Anderson Unit 34 in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, will be provided to the children of 11 Kentucky Air National Guard Airmen. (Kentucky Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)
“I truly appreciate the amazing support from the American Legion Auxiliary’s Anderson Unit 34,” Quimby said. “They went above and beyond with the Operation Military Cheer program to assist our families.
“Their support means a lot. I’ve had parents cry because of the amount of presents they receive for their families. The support provides presents for Christmas and frees up money to ensure the families have extra funds for food or bills. Words will never tell the American Legion Auxiliary members the true amount of appreciation and gratitude.”
Operation Military Cheer provided gift cards, clothes, shoes and toys to 454 children of Kentucky National Guard Airmen and Soldiers last year.
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.”
Program will provide gifts for 454 kids in 168 families
Story courtesy The State Journal http://state-journal.com/
By Kevin Wheatley, Published: December 18, 2013
Linda Jones, left, Brooks O’Neal and Cindy Culver pick out gifts for a family with three boys. (Dylan Buell/[email protected])
(Editor’s note: This story has updated numbers of children and families supported by the program)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A sign outside a room at the Boone National Guard Center stocked with toys intended for underprivileged military families lets visitors know they’re stepping into the North Pole.
The nondescript room might as well be Santa’s workshop during the holidays as Kentucky National Guard staff sort through gifts, some of which will be the only presents nestled beneath the tree on Christmas morning.
Click here for more photos of Operation Military Cheer.
Books O’Neal, 6, puts a skateboard into a bag that has gifts for a military family with three boys. (Dylan Buell/[email protected])
Called Operation Military Cheer, the program’s cache of toys - everything from board games to Barbie dolls to Legos to bicycles - has dwindled in recent days because the distribution of gifts has begun.
Essentials, such as grocery gift cards and infant food, are also provided through
Operation Military Cheer.
This year the holiday program will provide gifts for 454 Kentucky children, whose parents serve in all branches of military services. That’s one more child than last year, but organizers expect additional requests for assistance will come as late as Christmas Eve.
“That’s our payoff in the end, is knowing that the National Guard’s made a difference,” said Cindy Culver, lead organizer for Operation Military Cheer. “I’d like to be a fly on the wall on some of these Christmas mornings. These kids come around the corner, they’ve had bicycles in front of the tree and probably may not have had anything if it wasn’t for this program.”
The program has grown considerably since Culver’s first involvement in 2007, when her husband, Maj. Tim Culver, was deployed on a training mission to Africa. Fewer than 100 children had registered that year, Cindy Culver said, noting participation has risen every year since.
Pfc. Joe Lovely carries bags containing gifts to a van for distribution. (Dylan Buell/[email protected])
Families seeking assistance are typically steered to the program through a military point of contact, usually a first sergeant, said Linda Jones, another Operation Military Cheer coordinator. Once approved, the family will usually submit a Christmas list for their children by Black Friday, and then collect a garbage bag filled with unwrapped toys either at the Boone National Guard Center or the nearest armory.Those moments tend to be emotional, Culver and Jones said. A number of active duty and reserve military families struggle through the holidays, either with spouses serving overseas or trouble finding steady work or some other hardship, so any assistance is met with the utmost gratitude. Those involved in the program, more often than not, reciprocate the feelings.
Culver recalled one military wife who requested help in 2008. Her husband had been deployed overseas, and the holidays had stretched the family’s finances thin. “She had two little girls, and her goal was to have them riding bicycles by the time her husband came home from deployment,” Culver said. “I hooked them up with two bicycles, and she sent me a video . of one of the girls riding down the sidewalk meeting dad at the end in a military uniform.
Pfc. Brittni Sherman, left, and Pfc. Joe Lovely put bags of gifts into a van Wednesday morning. The van will make stops at National Guard bases in Lexington, Richmond and London, and the gifts will then be distributed to military families in the area. (Dylan Buell/[email protected])
“I had to close down my computer, and I took a walk around the pond, and I cried the whole way around the pond.”
Anyone can “adopt” a military family through Operation Military Cheer by calling the program’s toll-free phone line at 800-372-7601 or on the Kentucky National Guard’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/KentuckyGuard.
Any extra toys collected for the program go to the Galilean Children’s Home in Liberty,
Culver said.
The nonprofit Home Builders Association of Lexington is a large donor, she said. The Kentucky National Guard partnered with the organization earlier this month for a toy drive.
The Lexington-Bluegrass Association of Realtors and the Disabled American Veterans are also contributors, Culver said, and Operation Homefront provides dollar-store toys at the program’s Christmas dinners at each of the 15 armories where gifts are delivered.
“You can’t be up here working and be a Grinch,” said Kentucky National Guard spokesman David Altom, who once helped coordinate Operation Military Cheer. “It wears on you. Your
heart’ll grow three sizes.”
Story by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
Photos by Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs
Some of Santa’s youngest helpers got into the giving spirit in support of Operation Military Cheer. More than $33,000 worth of toys, bicycles, clothes and gift cards were given to 450 children of military families across the state. (Photo by Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
FRANKFORT, Ky. — It’s interesting to see all of the traditions that surround Santa Claus. In some countries Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) arrives by steam boat and in others “Father Christmas” rides a goat. In most of the United States he drives a sleigh driven by a pack of reindeer. In Kentucky, however, he relies on the National Guard to distribute toys to deserving young girls and boys.
Click here to see more photos from this story.
Operation Military Cheer is geared toward supporting military families across all the services, active duty, reserve and National Guard. 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.
“This year we were able to provide gifts of clothes, shoes, and toys for more than 450 youth across the state,” said Cindy Culver, Child and Youth Programs Lead Coordinator. “It’s one of the largest drives we’ve ever conducted.”
Spc. Melissa Moore, 223rd MP Co., and Child and Youth Coordinator Linda Jones show off some of the donated toys to Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Draper. (Photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs)
According to Culver, approximately $33,000 in toys, bicycles, clothes and gift cards were donated, sorted, assigned and delivered to families from Pikeville to Paducah.
“There is a great need for support out there,” said Linda Jones, Child and Youth Programs Coordinator. “I’m so proud to see everyone pull together to bring comfort to these military families that sacrifice so much of themselves for our country.”
Don Sullivan represents one of the largest single contributors to this year’s drive, Home Builders Care, which is affiliated with the Home Builders Association of Lexington.
“Our focus this year has been on our military veterans,” said Sullivan “On Veterans Day we built and dedicated a home for a disabled veteran, so it was only natural that when the holiday came around that we said we just had to support Operation Military Cheer.”
Santa is surrounded by just some of the organizers, volunteers and contributors to this year’s Operation Military Cheers at the headquarters of Home Builders Care, an affiliate of the Home Builders Association of Lexington. Home Builders Care contributed more than 600 toys and 30 bicycles valued up to $7,500 to the drive. (Photo by Spc. Felicia Harris, Kentucky National Guard Family Programs)
Together with associates of the Home Builders Association, the Remodeler’s Council, local real estate offices and the public, the group collected more than 600 toys and 30 bicycles valued up to $7,500.
Even former service members like the Veterans Widows and Friends got into the action, donating 9 bicycles.
“I really like Operation Military Cheer,” said Spc. Melissa Moore, 223rd Military Police Co. “It’s a great idea for families that are struggling and it give the kids a little bit of hope, something to smile about and be happy about on Christmas.”
A combat medic who’s been to Iraq, Moore sees Operation Military Cheer as a personal mission. “It’s helping out your brothers and sisters in uniform, which is what the military is all about,” she said.
Story and photo by David Altom, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
The giving keeps on coming -- Members of the Disabled American Veterans bringing a load of bicycles to Operation Military Cheer. Pictured are Cindy Culver, Ken Jones, Capt. Bryan Combs, Don Sheckels, DAV Commander Danny Jones, Brenda Jones and DAV Auxiliary Commander Jeanne Sheckels.
FRANKFORT, Ky. — To paraphrase the song, all gave some, some gave all … and still others keep on giving.
The Disabled American Veterans is a unique organization. For instance, did you know that the DAV The DAV was founded in 1920 by disabled veterans returning from World War I? And that the DAV was chartered by Congress in 1932 as the official voice of the nation’s wartime disabled veterans?
Today the DAV represents more than 1.2 million disabled veterans and their families. Their relevance in the wake of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq is just as powerful as it was following “the war to end all wars.”
“We are here to support our returning troops,” said Jeanne Sheckles, DAV Lexington Chapter #1 Auxiliary Commander. “That’s what we love to do. If anyone has issues with their claims or need information on filing claims for potential disabilities we have national service officers available to help them.”
Sheckles was part of a DAV team visiting the Family Assistance Center at Boone National Guard Center, dropping off bicycles and toys for Operation Military Cheer, the Kentucky National Guard Family Programs annual toy drive. It’s a holiday ritual the DAV has supported for many years.
“This is a good way to give back to the National Guard families that have been serving in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past several years,” said Sheckels. “We know what a strain these deployments can be on families, and the downturn of the economy has put an even stronger burden on the families. This is how we give back to our troops and show them that we support them and the mission they do for us all.”
The DAV also offers services to military spouses, parents and children of service members who need help.
“Sometimes our veterans need a little ‘poke’ to get their claims filed. We’re happy to help them get motivated.”
Sheckles said returning female Service Members are a concern for her. “If any females veterans need assistance and aren’t comfortable talking with our male veterans, I’m ready to help them out.”
Next January the DAV is opening an information office in Lexington that will be open five days a week. Scheckels said help isn’t limited to office hours, however.
“We’re available 24/7 if our veterans need us,” she said.
To contact the Lexington DAV Chapter #1 call 859-221-5305 or the Auxiliary at 859-333-8576.
Click here to reach the Lexington Chapter #1 DAV website.
Click here for general information on the DAV.
Click here to find a DAV chapter near you.
Kentucky National Guard Youth Coordinators Linda Jones and Cindy Culver pack gifts for the children of Kentucky military service members for Operation Military Cheer. More than 440 children and teens from all services received toys, clothing and food during last year's drive.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Guests planning to attend the Inaugural Worship Service at the Frankfort Convention Center on Dec. 13 are asked to bring a new toy for the Kentucky National Guard’s Operation Military Cheer, a program that helps Kentucky military service members who may need assistance during the holiday season.
Gov. Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, Lt. Gov.-elect Jerry Abramson and his wife, Madeline, encourage Kentuckians to consider the Governor’s inauguration a day of service.
“Inauguration day is meant to be a celebration with many fun, family-friendly events, but we also want to remember the men and women in uniform who fight for our freedom and our ability to celebrate democracy,” said Gov. Beshear. “Partnering with Operation Military Cheer is an opportunity to support not only our troops, but also their families, who also make sacrifices on behalf of our nation.”
Operation Military Cheer was created by the Kentucky National Guard’s Family Programs Staff in 2005 to provide food, clothing and toys to military families during the holiday season. Military families who need such assistance may apply and be approved for the program.
“Last year we were able to provide gifts consisting of clothes, shoes, and toys for over 440 children and teens in Kentucky National Guard families,” said Cindy Culver, Kentucky National Guard state youth coordinator. “This year we hope to provide for even more.”
Because of the change in location from a local church to the Convention Center, this year marks the first time in many years the Inaugural Worship Service will be open to the public. All Kentuckians are invited to participate in the nondenominational service that offers a solemn preparation for the events of the day.
The service will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Service members from any military branch in the Commonwealth may apply or be nominated to receive assistance from Operation Military Cheer based upon need. Individuals may also apply to adopt an identified military family to support this Christmas. Besides toys, the program also collects winter clothing and gift cards to grocery and retail stores.
For more information about Operation Military Cheer, email Cindy Culver at [email protected] or Linda Jones at [email protected], or call 1-800-372-7601.
The Worship Service, along with other inauguration events, will be broadcast live on the KET network.
The upcoming inauguration and celebration will cost significantly less than prior inaugurals, but will still offer many free events suitable for Kentucky families, according to Bob Stewart, the inauguration’s executive director. Event organizers will partner with many Kentucky vendors, use existing resources and reutilize and recycle when possible to create a more conservative event than in years past.
The governor and lieutenant governor will be sworn into office during a full day of festivities on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Updates, additional information and designated parking areas will be posted on the inauguration website at http://governor.ky.gov/inauguration.
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.
—
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.
