Subject: Information Assistance Memorandum – "Operation S-O-T"

Dear Volunteer:

Thank you for "Supporting Our Troops" by volunteering to fill a "Troop Support Box". These boxes will be distributed to service members serving under harsh conditions and in harms-way. This effort was initiated by the Sarasota Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) but relies on community support to provide the depth necessary to make it successful. We have a website, www.supportourtroopsmoas.com, which provides all the information you, or you clubs, schools, etc. would need to send packages or financially support this program.

The "kit" you are provided consists of the following items:

1. Cover memo (This Information Assistance Memorandum).

2. A United States Postal Service APO/FPO Priority Mail "Flat Rate" Box. The boxes are provided by the USPS for free. The price for shipping the Priority Mail "Flat Rate" Box to an APO/FPO ZIP Code™ destination address is $12.50, irrespective of the weight. The box is identified with the additional logo: "AmericaSupportsYou.mil".  You can use other boxes, but they should be sent Priority Mail, and the cost will be contingent upon the weight of the box.  We recommend the USPS Priority Mail "Flat Rate" Box with the "AmericaSupportsYou.mil" logo. 

3. A list of Suggested Care Package Items to place in the box. It is not expected that all items on the list will be placed in the box. Emphasis is on personal items and soldier support items. Keep a list and cost of items purchased for the Customs Form.

4. A Pre-printed address mailing label. (May not be included in all kits if other service member addresses are used)

5. A general note introducing Sarasota chapter of the Military Officers Association of America as the effort behind the box mailings. (Optional but encouraged.)

6. Customs Form (Form 2976A). If you have not been provided one you may pick it up at the Post Office when you mail the package.

The address label is addressed to a senior individual of the respective unit. He/she will further distribute to soldiers in the unit. If you have been provided an address label, please peel off and firmly attach it to the box in the lower right hand corner. If you have a friend or relative who is deployed and wish to send he/she a box, please use this kit and tailor the box(s) and address to the service member you have in mind. If you wish to send multiple boxes, the Post Office has them available (free). Note that the "Flat Rate" boxes are sized to hold many standard printed magazines. You can refer to the suggested items list as you decide how to fill the box. Walmart or other discount stores are a good place to shop for most of the items. Do not send 100% milk chocolate for it will melt before arrival, and be careful about anything that is fragrant unless it is well sealed.

We have provided a letter from the Sarasota MOAA chapter which provides a brief summary of what we are doing. If you wish, include it in the package. Add a personal note. For example, that you are proud of their performance; that our thoughts or prayers are with them, and wish them a speedy and safe return. Avoid any comment on the geo-political aspects of their effort; we remain apolitical, and are doing this because we support the individual service member, not dialoging about the pro’s and con’s of national policies.

Once everything is included, seal the boxes with approved sealing tape, ensure your address label is firmly attached, add your return address, and complete the Customs Form (an example is on the back of the "Suggested Care Package Items" list. When using Form 2976A, you can summarize, e.g., Personal Hygiene items, snacks, books, etc. Check three boxes on the Customs Form: box 5. "Gift"; box 6. Airmail; box 10. "Treat as Abandoned." The latter (box 10) will ensure that if the unit un-expectantly returns to the U.S. the package will be re-distributed to another unit. Take the box to the Post Office for Priority type mailing.

Individuals who desire to make a financial contribution to the Support Our Troops Program should make their checks payable to the Sarasota Military Officers Scholarship Fund, Inc. (SMOSF), an IRS 501(c)(3) charity, which serves as the outreach arm of the MOAS. While any donations are appreciated, it is estimated that $50.00 will be the upper limit on preparing and shipping a box and as such is a good multiple for donation purposes. Please indicate on the Memo line that the contribution is for the Support Our Troops Program. Your contributions will be used exclusively for the SOT program. The SMOSF's Federal Tax Identification Number is 65-0883860 and the SMOSF is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Registration Number CH19841. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE

Send checks for our "Operation S-O-T"  to the following address:

MOAS – "Operation S-O-T"

BG James M Hesson – US Army, Retired

4612 Chase Oaks Drive

Sarasota, FL 34241

 SUPPORT OUR TROOPS