DaytonDailyNews.com

Operation Show Our Love is at it again and will soon ship 50,000 pounds of care packages to our military in service overseas.

"I'm excited about having our local airmen (many who have been overseas and received support thru our care packages) here packing side by side with our cadets, our "future" military personnel," said Cindy St. John in an e-mail.

According to St. John, Michael Wolfe, grandson of Brookville residents Wayne and Judy Wolfe, was at Operation Show Our Love on Jan. 11.

"Michael just completed a tour in Iraq and Operation Show Our Love was able to show local support by sending several care packages to him to share with his troops."

St. John also said Carl Day of WDTN 2-TV did a segment on the group shipping a basketball backboard, and hoop and Brookville VFW #3288 paid for the shipping.

According to the group, other local reservists such as Patrick Woolwine (who was home for a little rest and relaxation) was there and the group invited airmen from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to attend as well (who had previously received packages from OPSOL).

"All military personnel (past and present) were invited to stop by so the public could say thank you," said St. John.

And since the first packing party went so well another one was scheduled by the Northmont Navy Jr. ROTC cadets with their leaders, Senior Chief Jim Griffin and Lt. Col Ken Knotts.

"The cadets have had multiple packing parties this fall and have made it possible for OPSOL to ship an additional two tons worth of snacks, toiletries, entertainment items and humanitarian aid to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other foreign counties where U.S. troops are stationed."

St. John said the group still accepts donations, and for information visit their Web site at www.OperationShowOurLove.org.

The latest fundraiser was a pancake breakfast at Brookville Grille on Jan. 19 at the Wolf Creek Street Brookside Shopping Center.

"At our pancake breakfast Sgt. Maj. Himsworth, from USMC Camp Lejeune, was the guest of honor," St. John said.

"He was in town to attend the Northmont Navy Jr. ROTC Military Ball."

Contact this reporter at (937) 609-4152 or mminneman2@woh.rr.com.