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Not a day passes that I don't get a note from Fred Buhler, sharing the latest news from our local soldiers serving in various posts around the world. Most of the notes begin with a thanks to Fred and the others who make up his Friends of Nevada County Military organization.
"Thanks for the 'smiles in a box,'" wrote Lt. Col. Chris Boyer. "The gifts were shared with brothers and sisters in arms. It is so nice to get these packages from home. Please tell all who donate to make these happen - thanks from a grateful son of Nevada County."
"My soldiers and I are very glad to know there are good people out there who support us," wrote Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bowers. "We thank you very much for the care packages. They are always useful and uplifting."
"I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness that goes with every package you send out," wrote Scott E. Lawson, a crewman on a C-130 transport plane on its way to Southeast Asia for Lawson's eighth deployment. "The crew sends its appreciation for all the snacks and goodies. Last deployment, we really loved the Jelly Belly Sport Beans that you sent out."
Fred and his now 250 and counting Friends of Nevada County Military figured out that the best way to a soldier's heart is often as simple as a little jellybean ... or toothbrush ... or homemade cookies. The organization that began three years ago last month has sent hundreds of packages to military men and women with roots in Nevada County. The organization relies entirely on volunteers and donations to support our troops with goodies and a "few little luxuries that they may not otherwise receive." Packing "parties" generally take place each month at the Veterans Building in Grass Valley. A potluck for volunteers and their families is slated for Dec. 18. They typically get going at 6:30 p.m.
The holidays are particularly tough on our servicemen and women. Same goes for their families, who wait and often worry, their thoughts never really far from loved ones serving in places most Americans couldn't point to on a map.
Distance is made shorter by the Internet, cell phones, e-mail and text messaging today, but there's nothing like getting a package from home. Especially when you're sleeping in a tent somewhere in mountains of Afghanistan, where the weather this time of year can be a bit chilly. I still remember standing for mail call, only to get disappointed with news that my best friend had wrecked my motorcycle. And those letters arrived a month after they were mailed, so there was nothing I could do but plot a revenge that I would eventually forget to execute.
When you are far from home, you typically miss the little things. In my case, it was supermarkets. They didn't have any supermarkets where I was. Not the kind with freezers and fresh fruit. Most of the stuff in those markets far from home was still alive, and I just couldn't bring myself to eat something I talked to on the way home.
I can see, then, how Jelly Belly Sport Beans would be a BIG hit in Baghdad and beyond. Same goes for toothbrushes, shampoo, cookies and playing cards. I used to play in these marathon poker games that would last three or four days around the holidays, only breaking for chow and a shower. Thank God for something they called "Midnight Chow," where you could get biscuits and gravy to die for. Literally ... as in eat it and die in your sleep.
What I like most about the Friends of Nevada County Military is the organization's almost military-like approach to business. Friends "neither supports, nor opposes" the war, according to its mission statement. "Our purpose is to support our troops and their families. Partisan views are left at the door."
Inside the door, there is work to be done. Friends is much more than a "feel good" group of folks. "We need people who are interested in writing letters or packing boxes," reads the Web site (www.fncm.org). "We need people who are interested in helping to organize and run the group. We need people who are interested in helping to publicize the activities of the group within our community by writing articles or speaking to service organizations or church groups. Some members are able to devote a substantial amount of time to the group, while others are limited as to how much time they can offer. All levels of participation are welcome and appreciated."
So if you're looking for a good cause this holiday season, there aren't many better than the Friends of Nevada County Military. For more information on how you might help spread a little joy to our hometown soldiers so far from home, contact Fred Buhler at 265-4878, or, if you know a soldier who might need a little holiday cheer, contact Terry Robinson at 265-8310 and the soldier will be added to the list.
ooo
Jeff Ackerman is the publisher of The Union. His column appears on Tuesdays. Contact him at 477-4299, jeffa@theunion.com, or 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945.
"Thanks for the 'smiles in a box,'" wrote Lt. Col. Chris Boyer. "The gifts were shared with brothers and sisters in arms. It is so nice to get these packages from home. Please tell all who donate to make these happen - thanks from a grateful son of Nevada County."
"My soldiers and I are very glad to know there are good people out there who support us," wrote Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bowers. "We thank you very much for the care packages. They are always useful and uplifting."
"I appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness that goes with every package you send out," wrote Scott E. Lawson, a crewman on a C-130 transport plane on its way to Southeast Asia for Lawson's eighth deployment. "The crew sends its appreciation for all the snacks and goodies. Last deployment, we really loved the Jelly Belly Sport Beans that you sent out."
Fred and his now 250 and counting Friends of Nevada County Military figured out that the best way to a soldier's heart is often as simple as a little jellybean ... or toothbrush ... or homemade cookies. The organization that began three years ago last month has sent hundreds of packages to military men and women with roots in Nevada County. The organization relies entirely on volunteers and donations to support our troops with goodies and a "few little luxuries that they may not otherwise receive." Packing "parties" generally take place each month at the Veterans Building in Grass Valley. A potluck for volunteers and their families is slated for Dec. 18. They typically get going at 6:30 p.m.
The holidays are particularly tough on our servicemen and women. Same goes for their families, who wait and often worry, their thoughts never really far from loved ones serving in places most Americans couldn't point to on a map.
Distance is made shorter by the Internet, cell phones, e-mail and text messaging today, but there's nothing like getting a package from home. Especially when you're sleeping in a tent somewhere in mountains of Afghanistan, where the weather this time of year can be a bit chilly. I still remember standing for mail call, only to get disappointed with news that my best friend had wrecked my motorcycle. And those letters arrived a month after they were mailed, so there was nothing I could do but plot a revenge that I would eventually forget to execute.
When you are far from home, you typically miss the little things. In my case, it was supermarkets. They didn't have any supermarkets where I was. Not the kind with freezers and fresh fruit. Most of the stuff in those markets far from home was still alive, and I just couldn't bring myself to eat something I talked to on the way home.
I can see, then, how Jelly Belly Sport Beans would be a BIG hit in Baghdad and beyond. Same goes for toothbrushes, shampoo, cookies and playing cards. I used to play in these marathon poker games that would last three or four days around the holidays, only breaking for chow and a shower. Thank God for something they called "Midnight Chow," where you could get biscuits and gravy to die for. Literally ... as in eat it and die in your sleep.
What I like most about the Friends of Nevada County Military is the organization's almost military-like approach to business. Friends "neither supports, nor opposes" the war, according to its mission statement. "Our purpose is to support our troops and their families. Partisan views are left at the door."
Inside the door, there is work to be done. Friends is much more than a "feel good" group of folks. "We need people who are interested in writing letters or packing boxes," reads the Web site (www.fncm.org). "We need people who are interested in helping to organize and run the group. We need people who are interested in helping to publicize the activities of the group within our community by writing articles or speaking to service organizations or church groups. Some members are able to devote a substantial amount of time to the group, while others are limited as to how much time they can offer. All levels of participation are welcome and appreciated."
So if you're looking for a good cause this holiday season, there aren't many better than the Friends of Nevada County Military. For more information on how you might help spread a little joy to our hometown soldiers so far from home, contact Fred Buhler at 265-4878, or, if you know a soldier who might need a little holiday cheer, contact Terry Robinson at 265-8310 and the soldier will be added to the list.
ooo
Jeff Ackerman is the publisher of The Union. His column appears on Tuesdays. Contact him at 477-4299, jeffa@theunion.com, or 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley 95945.
