Dear editor:

As America celebrates Veterans Day, the Great Bend Military Moms are planning our next shipment of care packages. We owe our entire “way of life” to those who have fought for the cause of freedom throughout the history of this great country! I’m not sure who said this – but it is one of my favorite quotes. “A Veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of ‘up to and including their life.’ THAT is honor, and there are far too many people in this country who no longer understand it. The true soldier fights – not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” MAY WE NEVER FORGET...

Our little GB Military Moms organization began as a planned “one time shipment” in November of 2003. Now, as we start our 15th year – more than 5,800 boxes have been purchased, packed and shipped! To all of you that have contributed over the last 15 years, THANK YOU SO MUCH! None of this could take place without the wonderful support this community has given the project! I had to give up writing thank you notes a long time ago, but please know that the names of all contributors are added to the long list attached to a letter of appreciation included with each box. Financial donations have come from individuals, families, memorials, schools, clubs, scouts, service organizations, and some stores and businesses. Every dollar donated is used for purchasing the contents and for shipping charges. 

If you know of someone who is currently serving in the Iraq, Afghanistan, or Northern Africa areas, please get their military address to me as soon as possible. We will add them to the list and send them boxes loaded with snacks, candy, drink mixes, beef jerky, nuts, books, CDs, DVDs, games, toys, batteries, personal care items along with lots of love and support from back home. We don’t care where they’re from – they all deserve to know they are loved and appreciated for the sacrifices they make while serving in the fight for freedom. Our mission is not only to send them some great stuff, but also to put a smile on their faces and remind them that we care. 

We also send many extra boxes to chaplains of units, so they can distribute the care package items to those soldiers who don’t have access to necessities or don’t receive mail from home. It is heartbreaking to learn about these men and women, so we do our best to send enough to be shared and enjoyed with them as well.

So please check with your friends and relatives and get those military addresses to me ASAP. They will be kept confidential. For more information, to send an address, or to make a donation, please contact me at the following phone number and address. We are truly in need of financial donations, this year.

Until they are all home...

Leslie (Halbower) Barrett

620-792-2838

Great Bend Military Moms, P.O. Box 432, Great Bend, KS 67530