By Kate Miller, Record Staff Writer
One of the best gifts people can buy a soldier is a donation to Patriot Packages.The nonprofit organization, based in Warren County, collects, packs and mails personal items and surprises throughout the year to servicemen and servicewomen who are serving in harm’s way.Its president, Robert Braendle, said “we all like to get packages from someone we know and we all like to receive something we need.”He added, for military members, it’s even better to get a package “from someone you do not know and who says you are special for doing your duty and that you are not forgotten.”The group collects travel-sized personal items to fill homemade, drawstring fabric bags to send in a care package with a handwritten note of thanks, mostly from students, and a star cut from a retired American flag that has flown in Missouri.Braendle gets letters back from the recipients, who are filled with appreciation. For them, everything inside the care package is a treat.Letters repeat themes of “I cannot thank you enough,” “Thank you for your support,” “You have brought us comforts of home,” “Your support strengthens us.”Braendle goes into classrooms and talks about the military. He tells them how important troops are and they need our support. Kids write letters to the troops, thanking them for their service, and soldiers appreciate those letters.“They are valued because they know kids are pure of heart and genuine, and they aren’t trying to convert anyone or sell anything,” Braendle said.The organization aims to provide every active duty and National Guard member deployed from Missouri and Southern Illinois to receive a care package in appreciation of his and her commitment to duty.Each year, Patriot Packages sends about 1,550 packages.Family members of servicemen and servicewomen may request a care package for a relative who is deployed and in harm’s way. Patriot packages will send the package with that person’s military APO, FPO or DOD address for receiving care packages. Deb Ford volunteers at Patriot Packages and said servicemen and -women are often forgotten because it’s not personal for everyone.“It’s important that they know people back home are appreciative of their service to our country,” Ford said.She said troops are serving in places far away from home and doing work that is inconceivable to most people.“If it’s only their families who are remembering that they’re there, it’s not enough,” she said, which is why she volunteers with the organization.Braendle is a military veteran. He works for veterans because he has been in their place and he wants to help.Volunteers meet about once a month for two to three hours to prepare care packages for mailing.For more information, call 636-384-6133 or visit http://patriotpackages.org.Bob Braendle (seated), president of Patriot Packages, is surrounded by first-grade students at Warrior Ridge Elementary and Cresia Stark, school counselor. Submitted photo.
