From left Sgt. Roger King, Sandy Wilson, Mark Senter, Donavon Holderread, Bridget Hite, Bill Andrews, Linda Jacobson, Hurshel Hunter and Julian Keiser. The group met Thursday to send off a banner and supplies to troops overseas. Pilot photo/Rusty Nixon

By Rusty Nixon
Correspondent

PLYMOUTH — Several local organizations are pooling resources to help the troops and sending a little bit of home to 55 local servicemen in Iraq.

Representatives from the Fraternal Order of Police, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the National Guard and local residents will be sending a banner to the 55 local guardsmen stationed in Iraq with the 384th Military Police Company.

“The banner will fly with their unit there in Iraq,” said Hurshel Hunter of FOP Lodge #195. “Once they return it will fly here at the armory.”

The groups involved are also in the process of raising supplies to be boxed and sent overseas. The ongoing efforts of all the groups to bring some of the comforts of home to those stationed in war zones will be brought together in one ongoing effort to try and help more soldiers.

“We’ve really coordinated our efforts and that’s going to help us get to more soldiers,” said Hunter. “There’s nothing political involved, it’s our troops that we support and it’s them we’re trying to help.”

“We want to help as many as we can with as much as possible,” said Sandy Wilson. “The effort is ongoing, whenever we have something to send will send it, if it’s just one box at a time.”

Both the VFW and American Legion have been involved in ongoing efforts for the troops.

“We got involved probably three years ago,” said Julian Keiser Commander of the Plymouth American Legion Post. “We’re happy to be involved wherever and however asked.”

“We started putting together cold packs for the soldiers about three years ago,” said Donavon Holderread, Commander of the Plymouth VFW. “We’re also continue to raise calling cards for soldiers overseas.”

Toiletry items are those that are in greatest demand – toothpaste, toothbrushes, and items like pens and pencils or hard candies. DVDs, CDs and other entertainment items also provide a welcome respite. Wilson says that there is another need.

“Postage is really the most difficult thing for us to get,” said Wilson. “If somebody wants to provide postage or money for postage it is a very welcome donation.”

Items can be brought to the VFW, American Legion, or WTCA radio, or contact the FOP for pickup.