HEREABOUTS pamela dillon
Here’s some numbers for you — 15 to 20 care packages sent to 53 by 16 in 31400. The 53 are deployed as medics in Afghanistan. The sixteen are Daisy Scouts in Springboro Troop 31400 who were inspired by their leader, Lesa Wendeln, to support the military overseas.
“Last November I saw a blog about a military family, and since we’re here in Dayton near Wright Patt and my brother is in the Air Force, I thought what a great idea it would be for a troop to support a troop,” said Wendeln, mother of Daisy Scout 7-year-old Madison. “I searched a website called Soldiers’ Angels, and a representative found a navy medic who has 52 soldiers under him.”
The Daisy Scouts received suggestions of items the soldiers needed, and Wendeln sent an e-mail to all the parents. The donations were not required, but all the girls who participated in the events received a dark blue Soldiers’ Angels bracelet. The rubber bracelets were embellished with angels wings.
After the initial meeting in January, the troop was able to write a letter, make a card or draw a picture to put in the first 8-10 box shipment in February.
In early March, the medics got a special treat — Girl Scout cookies. The girls sent out their last care packages back in May. The men and women they supported are back home now.
“I think this project was awesome. They had to be thrilled to receive the packages,” said Sheri Slesinger-Hall, a Daisy parent to 7-year-old Ashli. “They are over there taking care of us. It’s the least we can do to try to give them some comforts from home and make them feel better.”
Just like soldiers who move to a higher rank, Daisy Troop 31400 will become Brownies this fall: Marissa Baker, Olivia Buchanan, Madison Crace, Aubree Ferdon, Seneca Howell, Madeline King, Allison McConkey, Ingrid Mueller, Katarina Mueller, Lauren Richley, Natalia Sanclemente, Elie Sautman, Ashli Slesinger-Hall, Allie Smith, Evelyn Toth, and Madison Wendeln. Assistant troop leader is Shelly Baker.
“I like having responsibility and caring for people. When they open up the boxes they love it,” said Madison.
Soldiers’ Angels is a nonprofit for hundreds of thousands of volunteers who provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the U.S. armed services. Its motto is, “May No Soldier Go Unloved.” The mission is to support the wounded soldiers in the Middle East, and the medics who care for them.
Patriotic and general flag retailer Flag Outpost gives 20 to 40 percent of the purchase price to Soldiers’ Angels, depending upon the item purchased. See www.flagoutpost.com, or call (888) 781-9035. For more information about Soldiers’ Angels, visit www.soldiersangels.org.