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On Saturday, November 7, 2009, 69 energized volunteers packed up 925 boxes of needed items for our brave soldiers overseas. This was our third year for this wonderful program and each year it gets bigger and bigger in every way. In 2007 (our first year) we shipped 466 boxes, in 2008 we shipped 604 boxes, and this year 925 boxes. Now that is amazing!
We had a little fun with our volunteers this year. Each volunteer was given a “Packer Badge.” In addition to having their name on the badge, each volunteer was recognized for the number of years they have been an Operation Reach Out Packer . To show our appreciation for their volunteerism, each volunteers received a “Support Our Troops” Christmas tree ornament.
In addition to the many GBU employees, members and community packers, we had lots of special guest packers in attendance. Our local Brentwood Mayor, Ken Lockhart, and his lovely wife Sue (both two-year packers) came out to help again. By the way, the Mayor and many in the Brentwood community gather every month to box up items and send them to our overseas troops. What a wonderful, patriotic community we are located in.
Back for his second year was Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Mangis. This year he brought 11 servicemen and women with him to help us pack. What a treat that was!
Unfortunately, our local Congressman Tim Murphy (a two-year packer) was unable to return this year as Congress was in Session but he did send two of his representatives: Field Representative Nate Nevala (two-year packer) and local Congressional Aide Ryan McGregor (first-year packer). Thank you guys!
Our Pennsylvania State Representative Harry Readshaw was also unable to attend but he did send a very nice donation.
Of course the biggest thank you has to go to all of you who sent in donations from around the country. This project could not have been a success without the financial support of individual GBU members, GBU districts and friends. Thank you!!
We are glad to report that due to the huge outpouring of member support for this project, the GBU Board of Directors has approved Operation Reach Out once again for next year. Keep watching for information about Operation Reach Out 2010!
Greater Beneficial Union
4254 Clairton Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394
1-800-765-4GBU or (412) 884-5100
Fax: (412) 884-9815
E-mail: info@gbu.org
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This page was last updated on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
