Laughlin offers Treats for Troops

  • Published
  • By Senior Amn. Olufemi Owolabi
  • 47th FTW Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AFB, TEXAS --  Just in time for the holidays, Laughlin families are missing their deployed Airmen and plan on sending them surprise care packages courtesy of Operation Treats for Troops.
Thirteen volunteers gathered at the Health and Wellness Center's conference room during Operation Treats for Troops Tuesday to bake and cut brownies, organize and package letters of appreciation from families, greeting cards and calendars, and pack these items with other goodies in boxes which will be sent to Laughlin Airmen downrange.

"Our troops are a long way from home, and the holidays can be stressful for them and their families they left behind. This is a small way for those of us at home to thank them for their service to Laughlin Air Force Base and to our country. The countdown calendars can help them look forward to their homecoming," said Tech. Sgt. Walter Anderson, 47th Services Division, who took the initiative this year to organize the donations.

"Operation Treats for Troops is a care-package theme designed to show our appreciation for the many sacrifices Laughlin members are making throughout the world," Sergeant Anderson said. "The staff and I chose this name since we are always sending goodies to our troops; and whenever we ask for volunteers for this operation, they would automatically know the job and the excitement that comes from volunteering for this event."

According to him, the packages will be mailed and delivered to 28 members of Team XL.
The organizer of this year's program would like to thank all volunteers for a successful program. "I also want to thank the HAWC staff for allowing us to use HAWC to make this event a success, as well as the Chapel for taking care of the shipping, and last but not least, our first sergeants for spreading the word, supervisors, and squadron commanders for allowing their members the flexibility to assist us."

In a few days, deployed Laughlin members will receive magnetic countdown calendars with their children and spouses on them to hang in their tents or workplace to remind them of home and let them know that they are not forgotten.

They will also get handmade holiday greeting cards signed by members of Team XL and the Key Spouses Program.