A few weeks ago, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Scott Burleson told his wife there were members of his unit serving in Iraq who didn't receive much mail. For whatever reason, the men and women didn't hear from anyone in the United States, which lowered morale.
Now, after Twin Lakes Area residents became aware of the plight of Burleson's comrades, they've been getting mail and packages and lots of support from folks back home they've never met. And there's still more to come.
Tuesday, the Mountain Home Rotary Club, of which Burleson is a member, was preparing to send packages to those in his unit
All together, according to Jodie Elizabeth Jeffrey, the Rotary Club and its members contributed more than $3,000 to help Burleson's comrades. The club itself donated $1,000, and additional donations were provided by Tom and Deborah Knox, Ellis and Yunker Real Estate, A.G. Edwards and other club members.
Cardiovascular Associates Inc. donated care packages to the club's efforts, and Wal-Mart also assisted in the project.
Included in the packages were assorted snacks and food items, toiletries, games, puzzles and cards, including handmade cards from Rotarian Mike Byler's elementary class at Mountain Home First Baptist Church.
In addition, they also will be getting MP3 players pre-programmed so music can be downloaded.
Many individuals in the Twin Lakes Area have sent cards, letters and packages to Burleson's unit. His Sunday school class at First Christian Church as well as church members have helped out, as have other churches in the area. Local elementary school students also have "adopted" Burleson's unit.
Burleson recently told his wife, Regina, that they're getting mail from Mountain Home, and it had surprised the men and women in his unit. Everyone gets something, he told her. Burleson said the mail, packages and support definitely has boosted their morale.