263d AAMDC FAMILY READINESS GROUP

¨3111 Mall Road ¨Anderson, SC 29625-3111 ¨864-221-8788

http://www.ngfamilyofone.org/

Care Boxes for South Carolina Soldiers

¨ Care Boxes from home lift Soldiers spirits high. While care box contents make a tremendous difference, the greatest impact is the realization someone cared about them as individuals, understood the importance of their mission, and appreciated their sacrifice. South Carolina Citizen Soldiers serve our state and country with great dedication and commitment, especially in this time our nation finds itself at war. The Soldiers’ and their families’ sacrifices are tremendous.

¨ Individuals and groups wishing to support South Carolina Soldiers serving overseas and nationwide with care box donations can contact the 263d AAMDC Family Readiness Group (FRG) for shipment assistance (depending on funds availability). The 263d AAMDC is a non-profit all volunteer organization dedicated to Soldier and Family Readiness and Care.

¨ While the 263d AAMDC FRG cannot give out Soldier addresses due to the Privacy Act and Operation Security standards, the FRG will pay shipping costs and ensure boxes are shipped to South Carolina Soldiers serving far from home.

¨ For information of helpful items (especially items Soldiers have limited or no access to) for soldier care boxes, please see Care Box Suggestions. The suggestions are listed on a document that can be printed and displayed on collection boxes.

¨ For more information, contact Mrs. Michele Canchola at 864-221-8788.

Letter from a grateful Soldier to the Anderson Independent-Mail Newspaper Editor – January 2006

South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers of the 111th Signal Battalion, currently serving in Iraq, were completely overwhelmed with the flood of care boxes we received as a result of a collection for Soldiers in December by Anderson County, shipped to us by the dedicated 263d Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) Family Readiness Group.

I cannot find adequate words to describe what those boxes meant to Soldiers. They were full of many items we cannot get overseas. More so, they were full of the spirit of Anderson County. I watched Soldiers' faces light up as all those boxes arrived, bringing a loud and clear message of Anderson County citizens’ support. Above all, Soldiers were reminded they are not forgotten over here.

I continue to be amazed by the selfless dedication and devotion these Soldiers display every day. Each Soldier serving here has left behind a family, their jobs, their churches, their friends. Yet, through love for all those back home and for our Great Nation, they proudly serve. Their presence here has made a difference in the world.

As much as our experience here in Iraq will always be remembered, Anderson County citizens’ encouragement and support will not be forgotten. From our hearts we thank you for your care. You all will be in our prayers, as do we hope we and our families will be in yours. God bless you and God bless America. First Sergeant (1SG) Roger L. Dangerfield, SCARNG, 111th Signal Battalion.