Conduct S.O.T. Drive

CONDUCT A DRIVE AT YOUR

CHURCH, CLUB OR BUSINESS

4 July 2010

Glen & Lillian Ridgeway held their Annual 4th of July Party in support of our troops.

Jim Hesson reports $375 was collected and 59 boxes were delivered to the Ridgeway’s. He says not all boxes were handed out, but the remainder will be distributed by the Hessons on their Summer trip.

February 2010 - Jim Hesson reports that he gave out about 60 S-O-T boxes after services at his church, Church of The Palms Presbyterian, Sarasota.

February 2010 - John O'Brien reports 13 boxes handed out at the Navy League dinner, and Bob Zonies in River Wilderness sent 77 more.

An Updated EMail Report 12-1-09 from Frank & Barbara Hodalski on DAR & SAR excellent ongoing efforts - sent 70 Boxes!

Hi Don,

   We mailed 10 boxes to each of the 6 army & 1 marine units. (70 total since August)

Should be there for Christmas.

   Have a few other organizations helping us....

The Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church collects beanie babies & comics.

The Daughters of War of 1812 & Daughters of Union Veterans of Civil War donated money to mail boxes

Tequesta & Chi Chi Okobe CAR chapters & a school in Vero Beach collected hundreds of items that we mailed.

   God Bless & we will keep in touch.

Barbara & Frank H.

2009 Veteran's Day report from the Sarasota YMCA

Sarasota-Herald Tribune article

John and Carol O’Brien gathered up their volunteers and on Veterans Day the team handed out 200 boxes at the ceremonies

at the conclusion of the city Veterans Day parade.

In November, Troy Scott worked with the YMCA and took 300 boxes for hand-out. Dave Swain worked with the Church of the Redeemer and took 250 boxes and raised the funds to pay for shipping costs.

Jim Hesson's report of November 8th -

Boxes this week:

Tuesday, 3 Nov - Heritage Oaks monthly “Meet and Greet” – 60

Wednesday, 4 Nov - Navy League Golf Tournament – 20

Friday, 6 Nov - Moose Lodge 608 – 20

Sunday, 8 Nov - Church of the Palms Sunday Services – 140

RBC Centura Bank, Fruitville Ave. branch, recent effort

RBC Centura Bank initiated and sponsored an SOT drive that yielded 40 SOT boxes. The Bank had customers bring in requested items, bank employees boxed them, and MOAS shipped them off to the Troops. The Bank even hosted a reception to show their support; posing in the picture are Bank employees, MOAS Committee members, a US Army member, and customers. Well Done, RBC Bank!!

CHRISTMAS IN SUMMER Drive -

SOT Committee Members Jim Stokes & Don Cunningham review SOT Boxes brought to the August 2009 MOAS Luncheon.

Barbara Anderson & Jeanne Johnson, together with “Elves” Jim King, John Saroniero (17^th St Postmaster), and Willis Derstine, loading one hundred and one (101) SOT boxes to transport to the 17^th St Post Office. The Ladies worked hard to collect these boxes from friends, neighbors, and clubs in the Meadows in support of our troops in Afghanistan & Iraq. Well done, Ladies!

“Elves” Jim King and Willis Derstine, with Post Office Clerk Theresa Saroniero and Postmaster - Husband John Saroniero rest after unloading the 101 boxes from Jeanne Johnson’s home. The wonderful 17^th St Post Office Team checked them in and sent them out that day!

MAY 2009 MOAS Memorial Day effort -

Report from John & Carol O'Brien, who headed up the effort -

Memorial Day SOT was a great success. We set up in the same visible location as last year, the ceremony MC noted our presence, and we had a great turnout of volunteers with Jon and Mary Gordon, Len Friedlander, Joe and Nicky Dovener, Ray O'Connell and friends from Lakewood Ranch Hurricane Preparedness, Mike and Patt Staley (frequent YAHOO guests). We handed out 210 kits. The public, as last year at the Veteran's Day Parade, was very supportive and thanked us for making this available to them.

15 January 2009

Margaret Herbst reports that St. Martha's Catholic Church has mounted another SOT drive to send boxes to the troops in Afghanistan. Since they started several years ago, St. Martha's has sent 182 SOT boxes. Thank you for your faithfulness!

Recognition at the MOAS 21 November Luncheon.

THANK YOU, YMCA!

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Jim Hesson reports: Our efforts to encourage others to pack a box were spearheaded by a number of persons -Troy Scott and Mary Lee Young from the Sarasota YMCA who netted over 341 boxes; Jeanne Johnson and her box sales partner, Barbara Anderson who netted over 155 boxes; David Swain and his co-worker Bob Martin who took 200 boxes for their church; and Karen Hubbard, who in spite of being in the process of moving out of our area delivered 22 boxes.

(MOAS used donations to pick up many of the mailing costs)

Here's a picture, below, of the wonderful staff at the Branch Post Office on 17th Street (Jack's Discount Store). John, the Manager, took his truck our to help pick up boxes; then he and the Ladies worked hard to get them out the same day! Thanks, Folks!

Also, Buchanan Ford has provided truck and driver several times to bring SOT boxes to the Post Office. Thanks!

Click to enlarge.

MOAS "SOT" ACTIVITIES (8 - 11 NOVEMBER 2008)

Jim Hesson reports that as many as 1000 SOT boxes were given out or collected in 8-11 November 2008 activities - a booth at Salute To Veterans at Robarts Arena, a booth at the Veteran's Day Parade and boxes collected by Troy Scott at the YMCA. Related pictures:

MOAS volunteers at the Robarts Arena booth (Pics 1 -2) and at the Veteran's Day Parade (Pics 3 - 4).

(click to enlarge)

Report on the 2008 MOAS "Christmas in Summer"

We're pleased to report 10 SOT Boxes were sent our from the August MOAS Luncheon & 167 from Jeanne & Robert Johnson's home, for a total of 177 SOT Boxes. The shipping charges were picked up by MOAS. Thank you, MOAS!

Jeanne mobilized her own SOT drive from home, among friends and neighbors, helped by her friend, Barbara Anderson. They want to recognize the special people who helped make it possible:

Barbara's contacts with the "In-between Bridge club" members, Michelle Golden, the owner, and C. J Pascoe, Assistant, were responsible for receipt of 107 boxes, by recruiting at their games.

The Meadows Country Club (John Leinaweaver, Food & Beverage Manager, and the Meadows Board of Directors) allowed an SOT announcement and handout during Bingo program intermissions.

Attorney Randy L. Merritt, Esq., and staff Shaun Didsbury & Cathy Walker, 5023 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, collected over 30 boxes (duplicating last year's effort) from clients and set up an SOT display in their office.

Mrs Vincent Castell & Mrs Danuta Drozynski each contributed 10 boxes on a recurring basis and helped spread the word.

1. Here's what MOAS helpers saw when they entered Jeanne's home.

2. Jeanne Johnson with Neighbors & Friends of MOAS, who ferried boxes from her home to the post office. The young man in the rear of the picture is John, Manager of the 17th St. Branch Post Office. He brought his own vehicle over to help pick up boxes. Great job, Guys!

3. Jeanne & Robert Johnson and Barb Anderson at an MOAS Luncheon. Jeanne & Barbara are great examples of how some leadership & networking can yield wonderful SOT results!

Click to enlarge.

A July 2008 picture from Jim & Joyce Hesson as they traveled in their motor home, supporting SOT as they went.

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3-9-08 Email report received from Incarnation Church Military Ministry, Sarasota -

Jim

Thank you for all you are doing for our Troops

I recently retired from school teaching in January- 08,

and started the Incarnation Church Military Ministry with Adelle Daniells

So far we have sent 16 boxes to Iraq and Afghanistan

We will be sending out 20 more boxes this Tuesday 3/11/08

I will include your addresses listed among these 20 boxes we send

Could you add our names to the list of Sponsors

We have a beautiful poster of our troops serving throughout the world whose relatives pray at Incarnation

The poster is in the foyer of Incarnation Church, if you are near, please stop in to see it

Many prayers are being said for these boys serving. So far we have no pictures of women serving just men.

Thank you for the excellent advice on the packaging

Peace,

Ellie Longo

September 2007 Report from Frank & Barbara Hodalski on DAR & SAR excellent ongoing efforts -

We just mailed 42 boxes to the marine & 2 army units listed on moas.

We have 6-8 boxes of female supplies that were donated by DAR's, Lead group & the Piro family.. CSM Gilbert & Transue and Marine unit also have packages of school supplies for the Iraqi children.....

We had a donation of over 400 Beanie Babies that were sent to the units to distribute to the children.

An angel employee, named Sandy, at the Gen. McLain post office on Siesta Drive has been great... she helps us post from 10- to - 35 boxes at a time.

We also have a RivRon unit that we send packages. Lt. Raymond J. Casella, N2 Riverine Squadron one, Hadithah Dam, Iraq.... They do not have access to the school children & are so far up river, it takes two weeks to reach them after the packages reach Iraq. He gives the boxes to the CMC to distribute to the guys.

We read all the letters posted on the web page at our SAR & Ladies Auxiliary and the DAR meetings.

God Bless,

Barbara & Frank Hodalski

July 2007 - Community Party became a "Support Our Troops" Event!

Glen and Lillian Ridgeway, Neighbors of Jim Hesson's, made S.O.T. a focus at their Fourth of July Party. They estimate they sent 25 S.O.T. boxes out to the Troops and raised $720.00. Way to go!

At the November 2006 Monthly Luncheon, the Military Officers Association of Sarasota (MOAS) collected over 120 boxes to send to the troops. Here are MOAS SOT Committee members, from the left: Joyce & BG (ret) James Hesson (Coordinator) and Rita & Capt (ret) Don Cunningham.

. Click to enlarge.

October 2006 -

Here is a picture of Beverly Schwed from Alba, Tx., and her boxes. She saw our SupportOurTroopsMOAS.com web site & mounted a local S-O-T effort in Alba. Way to go, Beverly, and S-O-T Supporters in Alba, Texas!

Click to enlarge.

Here's an October EMail:

"Mr. Hesson,

I ordered 250 boxes to begin with, they went so quick I decided to order 250 more for our country fair since that was our theme, SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. We had some bad weather that day, Sept.23rd, and didn't move that many boxes. So I took boxes to our churches & to the schools, and anywhere I could think of. I believe we moved 300 - 325 boxes. I still have quite a few to go so each event we have I will take my boxes. Our community may be small but our hearts are big. Our thoughts and prayers are with our troops. Come home soon and safe. May God bless us all.

Beverly Schwed, Member of the Alba Activities Committee"

The United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church, Sarasota (Click to enlarge)

Please consider initiating support at your church, club, business, or organization by taking on the role of "coordinator". We believe that folks truly want to give more support to our troops, as they sacrifice on foreign soil in this war against terror. We also believe folks are just waiting to be shown an organized, effective way to give this support. So, your leadership can make a difference, and multiply your efforts, as you encourage others in this important community program.

First, familiarize yourself with the information in this S.O.T. web site. Then contact your church, club, or organizational leadership to describe the program, the needs of the troops, and the need for the sponsorship of the (church). (Remember, this is not about partisan politics - avoid that. It's about supporting our troops!)

Suggest that the S. O. T. Program will also make it easier to send packages to church members and relatives in the military.

Secondly, suggest you'll take the lead to to organize a convenient location for members to pick up necessary information and supplies - perhaps after church. Provide posters and information for a church bulletin and announcement from the pulpit (see links in the left panel for suggestions). Consider a club/church program that focuses on a repeating effort - perhaps a monthly emphasis. This web site will keep military unit addresses updated as they change.

Then call Jim Hesson at (941) 926-8702 and he'll arrange supplies and help you get it going. (He has been responsible for a very successful drive at his church). You will be blessed as you help our troops through this important program!

EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT -

"OPERATION BEANIE BABY" (picture above)

The United Methodist Women (UMW) of First United Methodist Church-Sarasota joined the children’s department for a summer project – Operation Beanie Baby. “We wanted a project that would engage the children and their parents during their summer vacation,” said Margaret Butler, President. The project collected new or good used Beanie Babies for soldiers in Iraq to share with children they meet. Cash donations were also taken to purchase calling cards to send for soldiers’ use.

The project kicked off on July 3, 2005, and collections took place during the remainder of July. Over 550 Beanie Babies were collected and $490 cash was donated to purchase calling cards. The Church’s Early Care Center participated in the project along with the Church Family.

Altanette Allard created the theme “help plant the seeds of friendship and love”. “We feel the project plants the seeds of friendship and love while raising the awareness of our children to global concerns,” said Altanette. Shipments will include a half page note from the UMW Unit explaining the genesis of the project.

A full list of items to support our military is available from the Military Officers Association of Sarasota Coordinator Jim Hesson. Contact Altanette Allard (941-378-0378) or Margaret Butler (941-355-4795) [SouthernMSLady@tampabay.rr.com) for more information.

Colonial Dames XVII Century in Florida Support The Troops!!!

Delivering SOT Boxes to the Post Office (Click to enlarge).

Colonial Dames XVII Century, Florida, E-mail of 23 February 2006

Some of the reports from the Colonial Dames XVII Century in Florida were:

Collection of $450 for servicemen in the Middle East. They purchased 20 + "hot off the press" DVD’s and shipped them to various units in Iraq. One shipment went to the grandson of a prospective member. Some of the movies shipped were: "Crash, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Robots, Ray, Cinderella Man, Dukes of Hazzard, Fantastic Four, Madagascar, War of the Worlds, Catwoman, Ladder 49, The Incredibles and Finding Neverland."

Another chapter sent 48 Buccaneer's ball caps donated by the The Bucs, 90 stuffed toys donated by the Rough Riders, 12 new toys, 40 pounds of candy, snacks, new books & carefully used books.

A member in Palm Beach sent soccer balls and received a letter from her great nephew:

Everyone in my platoon is doing well. All the stuff you sent is needed. It was funny I was about to buy a flashlight the day your package arrived. We work a ton out here, at least 16 hours a day. In the three months I have been here in Mosul I have had about two days off. It's not as bad as you think however, the guys all keep each others spirits up and after Iraq elections they say the work load will go down. Lots of love and take care, Jimmy.

Local chapter sent magazines, 30 beanie babies, 70# candy & gum, hand held games, Sunday comics, towelettes, audio tapes & recorder, books and an assortment of personal items.

Many thanks to you for your help & support in this project.

Barbara (& Frank) Hodalski

A special MOAS "Thank You" to Barbara & Frank Hodalski

for your leadership and hard work! You and those who helped are a blessing!!

15 May 2006 Update

We just mailed 32 boxes to the 2 army & 1 marine units on the moas site. Also mailed 10 boxes the CAR (Children of the American Revolution-Tequesta Chapter in Miami) made for troops. Also included a Navy Rivron unit.

Thanks for the news of the troops on the web site.

Barbara & Frank Hodalski

Florida Chapters of Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution

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Frank and Barbara Hodalski in period costume

Barbara returned from the Colonial Dames XVII Century state meeting of the Florida Society where she made a presentation on the Support Our Troops project to the delegates. Instructions, shipping labels and custom forms were passed out along with the boxes for shipping. A complete set was given to representatives of each of the 20 chapters in the state society, who pledged to fill them and ship them to the adopted company.

I made a complete presentation to the Board of Management of the Florida Society, SAR at the meetings on October 28-29th. Thanks to Barb, I took ten boxes with full instructions and custom form. I showed a sample box with all of the things which could be included. All ten were taken, and I could probably have give ten more. I gave instructions on how kits could be obtained from the post office. The project will be carried back to the chapters. We have a fifty-fifty drawing at the end of the meeting. The winner donated his winnings to the project. By motion, the Florida Society half was donated to the project. The entire presentation was videotaped and will be sent to the Regional Vice Presidents for presentation to the chapters in their jurisdiction. I think it will be put on the FLSSAR website.

Barbara has nearly $170.00 and has indicated she will purchase phone cards with some of the money and stuff with the rest. In any event, we did very well. I look for outreach by the attendees to the chapters. Will make a full report to the Winter BOM in January and hope for further support at that time. We will keep you informed of our progress.

The next Daughters of the American Revolution meeting of the Sara De Soto chapter will be Wednesday November 2nd. We will make a presentation to them as well.

Bestest, Barb and Frank Hodalski

Frank is a former President of the Florida Society of SAR and current board member

MILITARY OFFICER'S ASSOCIATION OF SARASOTA (M0AS)

Nancy and Milton Thrasher at the June 2005 MOAS Meeting. They got the program off to its successful start at MOAS.

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FAMILY HELPERS

Don Cunningham's Grandchildren, Amanda & Amy, in Tequesta, Fl., preparing S.O.T. Packages.

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