Patriots:
Recently the US Post Office raised the cost to mail a large Flat Rate box from $18.45 each to $19.60 each. In 2019 the Rogue Chapter mailed 109 care packages to troops in Afghanistan that do not have a PX and in November 2019 the Army National Guard deployed to Africa with local units from southern Oregon going to Somalia. Neither the unit in Afghanistan or the one in Somalia have a PX and they have been requesting simple personal care items and snacks. So far in 2020 we have shipped 24 care packages.
I have gotten donations from a local dentist and have employees at the VA SORCC collecting items needed by the troops as well as a VFW in Grants Pass collecting items. With the help of the local Purple Heart chapter, the Marine Corps League and the VFW and several local businesses, we have raised and spent almost $3,000 on contents and postage. The recent postage increase was a serious hit to the program and efforts to link up with the National Guard group that is trying to offset shipping have yet to materialize.
It is important to keep the morale of our men and women in uniform high and knowing that groups back home support them is a huge boost in that area.
If you can find a way to donate at least $20 to offset the cost of mailing at least one box, that would be very helpful. You can help in two ways. Send a check made out to NCOA Rogue Chapter to PO Box 5597, Central Point, OR 97502 or you can go to our chapter website with a credit card and hit the care package option to donate. Thank you in advance for your compassion and support for our troops.
Strength in Unity & Leadership By Example
Terry M. Haines
Chairman, Rogue Chapter #1260