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LAKEPORT, Calif. – When something that survives purely out of the goodness of peoples' hearts has lasted eight years, it should be celebrated.
On Thursday, March 17, Operation Tango Mike will commemorate eight years of troop support.
On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers gather at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St. in Lakeport, to prepare care packages for deployed troops.
Items for the care packages and shipping costs are covered through donations and fundraising.
The effort began with a small donation receptacle at a local office in March 2003 and has grown immensely.
Today, 80 to 100 monthly care packages are shipped to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and on deployed ships.
Military families are supported as well. Many volunteers who support Operation Tango Mike have volunteered their assistance with home repairs, transportation and more.
It is often difficult to maintain a household, hold down a job and raise a family when a loved one is deployed. A helping hand is a small act of kindness with a big impact.
Since there is no base or military installation in our area, folks who wish to support troops and their families gather via Operation Tango Mike.
Families are welcomed and are provided with emotional support, knowing that they and their loved ones are appreciated. Families make great sacrifices when troops deploy, often for a year at a time. Families serve, too.
“Forget politics, support our troops,” is a guideline that has helped ensure that all are welcomed and appreciated at Operation Tango Mike functions. The effort does not involve politics and is solely motivated to support our troops and their families.
Everyone is welcome to attend packing parties. If your schedule does not allow participation, there are still ways to contribute. Correspondence is needed for every care package. All that is needed is a bit of one's time to jot down a greeting or note of support for a soldier far from home.
Drawings and colored pictures from children are also favorites. Often, these letters and pictures are hung in "hooches" (military housing) as reminders that folks at home are thinking of the troops.
The troops receiving care packages are truly grateful. Most say it doesn't really matter to them what they receive. They are simply thankful to receive something from home and their spirits are lifted in knowing they are not forgotten.
Their appreciation is evidenced by the hundreds of thank you messages that have been sent to Operation Tango Mike. Many of the notes are hung on the wall where they can be read at packing parties. Others, such as flags flown in honor of Operation Tango Mike, are proudly displayed on shelves at Umpqua Bank.
A recent message read, “Ginny-Thank you and Operation Tango Mike for supporting F Co 2/135 AVN (DUSTOFF) Medevac serving in Farah Afghanistan for the last year. You and your group's dedication and service to those who serve is a testament to the power of caring by Great American Citizens. We
salute you and your efforts. We will start coming home early next month. Thanks Again, SSG Keith Fricker.”
Another read, “I have a few days left in Iraq, then I'll be heading home! Thank you for everything you guys do. It really helps a lot. When do you guys normally pack boxes? When I'm home on leave next month I wanted to stop by. I'm not sure what my leave days are gonna be yet. Again thanks for
everything! Sgt Prior, Roy USMC.”
The public is invited and encouraged to help celebrate and commemorate eight years' of community effort and troop support.
On March 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., there will be an open house at Umpqua Bank. It will be a great opportunity to pay a visit and learn more about Operation Tango Mike, read letters from troops, see troop photos and get acquainted.
The regular monthly packing party will take place at 6 p.m. As holiday items are always shipped one month in advance to ensure timely delivery, the March care packages will be Easter boxes.
You are invited to bring along any special treats, candies or items you would like to include in care
packages.
For further information or to add your loved one to the care package recipient list, please call 707-349-2838, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or write to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.
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