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Let us not forget those serving ...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Project Santa keeps troops connected
By Terry Whetstone Staff Writer
IRVONA - Roger and Sharon Kritzer have been organizing Project Santa since their son, Bradley, was killed in action in Iraq in May 2005, and this year has been one of their most successful shipments.
"With the help of many area folks, schools, churches, organizations and businesses we were able to send over 150 enormous boxes out to seven different units in Iraq and Afghanistan," Sharon Kritzer said. "This was made possible only with the help of hundreds of generous and patriotic friends."
She said the troops need to know that Americans support and appreciate their sacrifices.
"This is about giving back to those who give so much to us by fighting for our freedom," Sharon Kritzer said. "Care packages and mail are very important to our deployed troops and lets them know we have not forgotten them and that we appreciate all their efforts in keeping America a free country."
The Kritzers also received letters of thanks from overseas, one from Major M. Tutty, an officer in Kabul, Afghanistan.
The letter said, "We received a stack of Project Santa boxes in our office today. Everyone had a blast picking out what they wanted and needed. Thank you for thinking of those of us still away from our families. Thank you for your support."
Then there was the letter from Durell Baughn from England. "I retrieved some trail mix out of one of many boxes from Project Santa. Thank you so much. We all really enjoyed all the cool stuff. Since all the boxes are gone, I know all the soldiers must have taken a part, so rest assured we used everything. Have a great holiday."
Still another letter, this one from Master Sergeant Johnson in Kabul, Afghanistan: "You are awesome for investing yourself in the lives of others. Thank you so much for continually supporting the Armed Forces. I personally enjoyed several items from the packages, including a student's letter."
SFC Trest, Kabul, Afghanistan thanked the Kritzers "for the packages. It's always great to get a little touch of home when you're in locations like this. Thanks for what you do and God Bless."
The servicemen and women are also appreciative of the schools that have continued to show support to the project, including Harmony, Moshannon Valley, Clearfield, Philipsburg-Osceola, Nittany Christian School, Philipsburg Elementary, North Lincoln Hill Elementary, Pleasant Gap Elementary and Central Dauphin High School Harrisburg.
"I can't believe how generous people have been this year," Sharon Kritzer said. "We go out and spend the money on things to send to the soldiers, and the next day in the mail we have more money."
She said the letters from the soldiers this year have far outnumbered the ones in past years.
"We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our family and friends that have played a part in making Project Santa a success," Sharon Kritzer said. "Thank you for caring about our troops. Your support enables us to continue our mission and lets the troops know that they are appreciated and not forgotten. This Christmas let us not forget all those serving, all those who have served and all those soldiers and families twho have made the ultimate sacrifice. Merry Christmas and God bless everyone."
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