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Tuesday, May 13, 2003

OKC HUD Family Reach Out to Battalion in the Sinai Desert

Oklahoma City Office Director, Kevin McNeely - also known as Lieutenant Colonel McNeely, Commander of the 1-180th Infantry Battalion - is serving his country overseas. However, his office has not forgotten him or members of his battalion serving their country thousands of miles from home.

McNeely is stationed in the Sinai Desert near Egypt (see this earlier Focus Message): his Oklahoma National Guard Unit was activated last Autumn for a peacekeeping mission.

OKC HUD's Donna Armstrong wrapping one of the many care packages

Although not engaged in the current hostilities in the Middle East, the 1-180th represents hundreds of families whose lives have undergone sudden and substantial changes during the last year. The Oklahoma City HUD Field Office wanted to do something to let the men and women of the battalion know they were appreciated and not forgotten. They decided to send "Care Packages" - the hands-down favorite from caring people stateside for American troops living out of tents or spartan barracks. HUD employees (and even some people with no direct ties to McNeely's unit) donated loads of good things to make life a little brighter for our men and women overseas. The gifts ranged from soap, shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, tissues, toothbrushes and toothpaste; to the unexpected, like moistened pop-up or packaged baby wipes. The things we take for granted are luxuries for men and women in the Middle East…and the moist wipes would be a special treat for people suffering through the Egyptian heat and sand storms.

Two volunteer organizations, carepackages@cox.net and the Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (1-800-323-4140), provided invaluable assistance. These groups can help with the shipping costs, which can be very significant, and also are a storehouse of valuable experience and good ideas.

Both HUD Customer Service Representative Donna Armstrong (a veteran of Operation Desert Storm), and the office's African-American Heritage Committee, played key roles in the Care Package effort. Former Sergeant First Class Armstrong recalled when she was on the receiving end of care packages. "Knowing people back home remembered me always perked up my day," she said, "and I'm sure the troops that receive our Care Packages will feel the same way."

HUD's Yellow Ribbon reflects Headquarters' support for America's military men and women.

Learn more about a unique partnership between National Veteran Service Organizations and the Department: HUD's Veteran Resource Center (HUDVET)