Packages sent by a Watertown-based Operation American Soldier put a smile on the faces of a group of sailors deployed to the Middle East.
The non-profit group has been providing care packages to troops for 24 years, said Wendy Rocca, one of the founders. OAS sends between 1,200 and 1,800 packages a year depending on the need, the group’s stock, and available funds.
Volunteers put together the care packages, which include snacks, drink mix, some toys, and a handwritten note. The packages sent to the VAQ-132 Navy Electronic Attack Squadron were packed by a group of young people.
“We packed March 24,” Rocca said. “It was an awesome group of volunteers: several 7-9 year olds.”
Due to the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, Rocca said deliveries to some units can be a challenge.
“The part of this that brings me the most joy is that many ZIP Codes are on the ‘do not ship’ at this time due to Epic Fury” Rocca said. “These boxes made it through!”
Rocca received a thank you email from one of the members of the squadron, LTJG Mayovanet “LTee Dangle” Mane Matos, who said the packages lifted the spirits of the squadron, and the notes from the children put a smile on sailors’ faces.
“They are little pieces of home that make a world of difference out here,” Matos wrote.
The email reads:
Wendy,
I’m writing to you from the Middle East, and I truly wish you could have been here a few days ago when your care packages started rolling in. Things have been busy, so I apologize for the slight delay in reaching out. Honestly, it’s hard to find the right words to explain just how much this meant to all of us here.
Seeing those boxes show up felt like a holiday morning. The energy across the squadron just completely shifted. For many of our younger servicemembers, this is their first time away from home in a place like this, and it can be a real challenge. Your cheerboxes brought more than just snacks and supplies; they brought a genuine sense of connection and a wave of laughter that we all desperately needed. It was a powerful reminder that people back home are thinking of us.
I have to tell you, the absolute best part, hands down, were the letters and drawings from the kids. After a long day, seeing a Sailor open a card with a hand-drawn American flag and a simple “Thank you for your service” from a second-grader … it just hits different. We had guys gathering around, reading them out loud, and just grinning from ear to ear. Those letters are now taped up on walls and in workspaces all over our facilities. They are little pieces of home that make a world of difference out here.
From all of us in VAQ-132, thank you. Not just for the items, but for the incredible kindness and thought behind them. Knowing you have our backs means more than you’ll ever know.
As promised, I’ve attached some photos! Some of our personnel have moved on from here, so we took the liberty of sharing some of the boxes with our USAF neighbors, the members of the 495th Fighter Squadron “VALKYRIES” I can tell you the joy was exactly the same for them.
With sincere gratitude,
-Mane
Operation American Soldier has been based at the Charles Schutt Detachment of the Marine Corps League on Mt. Auburn Street in Watertown since 2010.
“This would have been possible without the Shutt Detachment who graciously houses us at no cost,” Rocca said.
For more information about Operation American Soldier go to www.OperationAmericanSoldier.org or contact Wendy Rocca at WendyR@operationamericansoldier.org
While I am glad that they got some nice treats, I am also so sad. I hope they all come back alive and unharmed – no bloodshed for this stupid, dumb, idiotic f***** war. If they do come back harmed, then I hope every single one gets every last penny of government benefits owed to them – every cent! They should not have to fight again for doing their jobs. Congress should do their jobs.