By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal
Shortly before Christmas residents of the Village senior housing unit in northwest Fergus Falls started collecting items to ship to members of the Fergus Falls National Guard stationed in Iraq.
Later on, the Village’s marketing and welcoming committees thought of one way to give each package something extra special — personal valentines created by residents and Girl Scouts.
Those valentines were made Saturday afternoon at the Village activity room — much to the delight of the senior citizens and the young people who felt good about what they were doing for the troops.
Joining residents of the Village for this special project were members of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 614, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 899 and Girls Scout Junior Troop 964.
The valentines were placed atop the contents in each box that consisted of snacks, playing cards, lip balm, lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, t-shirts, CDs and other items. The local National Guard will ship the boxes to the members stationed in Iraq.
“Receiving these special boxes will be like Christmas all over again for the soldiers,” Family Readiness Group leader Sharon Casey said. “This will give them a really needed boost.”
That’s especially true since Minnesota Guard members recently learned the end of their deployment will extend from March to July 2007.
“It’s great to see our residents having such a good time with these girls while doing something we know the Guard members will really appreciate,” Village Board President Gene Donley said. “This valentine project is indeed something special.”
Doing much of the coordination for the resident-troop joint effort was Jennifer Rogholt, resident services coordinator for the Village.
“It’s great to see these 25 girls represent their Girls Scout troops in this special way,” Rogholt said, “working with our residents in making valentines for the Guard members.”
Mark Sjostrom, Fergus Falls National Guard Readiness NCO, has himself served overseas and knows how much packages mean to the soldiers.
“Getting a package from home really brightens up your day,” Sjostrom said. “That’s the way I felt and I know it will be the same for our men in Iraq when they open the packages, read the valentines, and take a look at the other items sent from home.”
Following are two hand-written valentines that will be among the many being sent to the Fergus Falls Guard members serving in Iraq.
“I hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day. I will be red, white and blue for you. I support you. Your friend, Alicia.”
“I hope you return home safe. Thank you for fighting for me. Love, Amy.”