When serving in Afghanistan, Specialist Chris Wright enjoyed receiving care packages from the United States.
Home on leave, the Army reservist with Michigan’s 783rd Military Police Battalion helped pack some more.
‘I know some of the people who will be receiving these,? said Wright, who is preparing to return to the Middle East. ‘They remind you that people are thinking about you. When I get letters from little kids, I write back and we keep writing. It lets you know people at home are there for you.?
Volunteers packed more than 100 packages at the Desert Angel ‘Miracle Box? packing party, Dec. 4, at Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club in Independence Township.
OCSC Office Manager Salli Petherbridge got the idea to invite Louise Downs, founder of Desert Angels, when she read about her in The Clarkston News? sister paper to the north in Ortonville, The Citizen.
‘I contacted Louise, ran it by Dan (Stiff, club manager), and we worked it out,? Petherbridge said. ‘It was time to do something, pay it forward. I’m thrilled with the number of people who showed up.?
The project helps honor her father, James ‘Bob? Robert Kee, who served on the U.S.S. Comstock from 1945-1948.
‘My dad was a nuclear veteran ? testing nuclear weapons after World War II,? she said.
Many club members are veterans or have family members in the service, said Joe Oberlee, club president.
‘In its history, the club always finds ways to help troops overseas, in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq,? Oberlee said. ‘We’re always jumping in to get the job done. I’m glad we’re able to do this.?
Pamela Green of Clarkston has been helping the group for the past three years. She bagged cookies at the packing party despite an injured arm.
‘It’s hard working with one arm, but I have to be here. I’m the cookie lady,? Green said.
The project is named in honor of Pfc. Joseph A. Miracle of Ortonville, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007.
‘I think this is beautiful,? said Glen Miracle, Joseph’s father and club member. ‘This is a way to acknowledge soldiers, show that they haven’t been forgotten.?
The care packages mean a lot to troops overseas, he said.
‘I talk to friends of Joe’s about these packages,? he said. ‘It’s a real morale boost. All of a sudden, they realize people care and haven’t forgotten.?
Louise Downs of Metamora, who founded Desert Angels in 2001, emceed the packing party.
‘We want them really full,? she called out using a microphone. ‘Every box gets cookies. Make sure you get some cards in them.?
She and her group ship thousands of boxes filled with snacks, personal items, and letters to troops overseas.
‘We’re honored to send the Miracle boxes. They perform miracles,? she said. ‘When you find a purpose in your life, that’s what you do. This is my purpose in life.?
For more information, check TheDesertAngel.org.