Memorial Day - Remembering the Fallen and the Soldier still Standing: Treats for Troops - Make a Soldier Smile
By Linda Fudala-Tucker

With Memorial Day weekend ahead, it is a good time to reflect on those members of the military who gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to preserve our freedoms. Most every family can point to a military veteran that has served their country. My nephew Justin Hendershot of Englewood served as a U.S. Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan during his four years of duty. I now have a second cousin, Jessica (Fudala) Poe in Iraq. My father served in the Navy; my cousin Butch Fudala served two tours in Viet Nam. My husband, Jim, served in the 82nd Airborne. I'm proud of them all. Recently, I came across an organization that helps make a difference in a soldier’s life called Treats for Troops. If you ever wanted to be able to send a "care" package to a soldier overseas but didn't know one, this is the ticket. And if you have loved ones or relatives overseas, this is an easy way to send that little package of goodies that says "we're thinking about you." Treats for Troops is a web-based business out of Colorado that provides a safe, secure way to support the troops. Soldiers register or can be registered to receive the packages. A "thank you" note is enclosed and supportive messages can be chosen for inclusion.

Treats for Troops Fact Sheet Name: Treats for Troops, Inc. Location: Denver , Colorado Website: www.TreatsForTroops.com Opened For Business : Summer 2003 Mission : To send at least one package from home to every American on active military duty anywhere in the world. Theme: Send a package. Make a soldier smile. Foster-A-Soldier Program: Members of all branches of the military are registered with Treats for Troops. Individuals interested in sending a soldier a gift are matched to a soldier registered with TFT. Sponsors can select their soldier based on home state, gender or branch of service. Gifts to Go offers a variety of themed packages that start at $10, including snacks, personal care items, beverages, gadgets and more. Market Street Shops offer over 100 individual items, so shoppers can create their own custom gift packages. Forums: A variety of forums offer soldiers, families and supporters a chance to check the news and post messages. Military Facts: There are currently over 1.4 million men and women on active military duty with mail delivered to nearly two thousand military post offices located in over 85 countries to include Navy and Coast Guard ships. The military provides all the basic necessities, but soldiers must buy any items that go beyond basic issue, as well as any treats and personal luxuries — like phone cards - out of their military pay. Soldier Registration : Soldiers can register themselves, or be registered by anyone who has their name, military address and e-mail address. For more information: www.treatsfortroops.com

"The thank you note is sent back to us, and is included in a thank you section on the website, and is then forwarded to the donor," explained Deborah Crane, founder of TFT. "It is also done by email." Crane, a wife, mother and cousin of several members of the U.S military, founded Treats for Troops in 2002 in the wake of new rules and regulations and heightened security following 911 that made sending packages to military members more difficult and impossible if a name and military address was not known.

Crane worked with the armed forces, consulted many members of the active military, and did extensive research on what items were on the average soldier’s “most wanted” list. As she suspected, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies were right up there at the top of the list. But there were some surprises. Ziploc bags, bungee cords, sunscreen, hand lotion and shampoo, gum and drink mixes, even stamps and stationery were some of the most-requested items. Today sponsors, family and friends send out hundreds of packages every week through Treats for Troops. There are thousands of soldiers from

every state and every branch of the service registered with their Foster A Soldier Program. "A registration note is also sent out, so soldiers can pass it on to their buddies," said Crane.