The Rotary Club of Cabarrus County recently cheered the return of 2-508 Parachute Infantry Regiment from their year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

It was a special homecoming for the club, because it had honored members of that unit and their families with an “Adopt-A-Soldier” program. While the soldiers were in Afghanistan, members of the club had sent them 30 boxes brimming with snacks, treats, dry goods, games and entertainment items, as well as cards and letters conveying thanks for their sacrifice and best wishes for their safe and speedy return to Fort Bragg.

Feedback about the program from the soldiers showed Rotarians how much it increased their morale. Donors were encouraged to include contact information in each box so that soldiers could respond if they wished, and several did.

Susan Rourke was one of the Cabarrus County Rotarians happy to  fill a box and ship it to an unknown soldier. Susan was even happier when one day she received an unexpected email from the female soldier who received her box.

In the email, the soldier explained her job, and said how much she appreciated the care packages. Members of her battalion were glad to know that people back home supported them and cared about them, because the media sometimes makes it sound like the troops have no backing on the home front.  Susan said, "It certainly made me feel better knowing that taking the time to send a box made a soldier's day better, and reassured them that we care about them.”

Cabarrus Rotarian Cyndie Mynatt also shipped a box to an unknown soldier.  As the owner of several automobile dealerships in the area, Cyndie is used to picking up a ringing phone.  But she was more than surprised one day to receive a call from a soldier in Afghanistan.

Cyndie recalled, “One Saturday morning in the office the phone rang and the fellow on the other end identified himself as the soldier who received my care package. Needless to say, I was shocked! He said that he'd been so surprised to get a package from anyone, and that it was a really big deal to get a care package in the mail.  He said it meant so much to him to know that a complete stranger had taken the time to pack a box and ship it. He said he told his parents in the eastern part of the state about the package, and that his parents were going to figure out a way to come thank me in person.  He said that with winter coming on, they especially appreciated receiving lip balm, hand lotion, hard candies and other items to help deal with the cold and dry climate. We didn't talk long, but I was in a complete state of shock when I hung up. For him to take the time and initiative to find my number and call told me all I needed to know about the value of this Adopt-a-Soldier program.”

Due to the continued need, and the tremendous response to the Rotary Club of Cabarrus County’s first two Adopt-a-Soldier efforts, a third shipment is presently being conducted for the NC National Guard 105th MP Battalion, which is stationed in Iraq.  Delivery is scheduled before the holidays.

If you would like to help with the project, you can 1) Prepare your own package, 2) Donate items to be included in packages, 3) Make a donation toward the shipping costs ($12.95 per box), or 4) Organize your own collection of items.

For more information, contact Rotarians Steve Grubb at 704-786-1108 or Rob Betler at 704-262-6325.

(Photo of Cabarrus Rotarians courtesy Lisa Perry.)