Residents of the Wabash Valley can help brighten the holidays for Indiana service personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan through an appreciation project being launched by Indiana State University.
Indiana State plans to send a specially designed ISU T-shirt to as many of these servicemen and women as possible. The shirts will accompany basic supplies that are in high demand and a personal note from the individual sponsoring the package.
"This is a great opportunity to let these fellow Hoosiers know we are thinking about them and appreciate their service to our country. Being on active combat duty is never easy, and the holidays can be especially difficult. We hope a special gift from home will let them know that they are appreciated," said Robert E. English, associate vice president for academic affairs at Indiana State and a lieutenant colonel and commander of 181st Logistics Readiness Squadron in the Indiana National Guard.
Donations, along with cards to the service personnel, may also be sent to Stephanee Squires, Center for Public Service and Community Engagement, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809. Questions may be directed to Squires at 812-237-8334 or ssquires@indstate.edu.
Checks should be made payable to the Indiana State University Foundation. Donations need to be received by November 30.
English indicated there are a significant number of Indiana Guard members and reserve personnel who are currently on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"We hope to reach as many of them as possible. Several military officers have told us how much the troops enjoy receiving these gift packages. They can be a real morale booster," he said.
Indiana State is working with the office of the Indiana adjutant general to arrange for the delivery of the packages.
Contact: Stephanee Squires, graduate assistant, Center for Public Service and Community Engagement, Indiana State University, 812-237-8334 or ssquires@indstate.edu.
ISU has launched a program to send specially designed T-shirts and basic supplies to Indiana service personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. Anyone may sponsor an individual serviceman or woman for a $10 donation.