Kids Show Their Love in Action for Valentine's Day

Handmade with love! Valentine’s Day cards arrive from schools and church groups across the nation. We are proud of all the kids for stepping up. Their appreciation for our heroic men and women demonstrates their caring nature and character.

Thie kids love participating too. Third Grade teacher Mrs. Hansen at Toledo, Ohio Greenwood Elementary said, “We love the opportunity to practice writing letters and to share some love and appreciation for our heroes.”

Without a doubt, the parents love it too. “My daughter loved this and loved sharing with us about it. Thank you for the opportunity for the kids and for the troops,” said parent Rebecca Tansel.

Additionally, cards came in from our friends at Dexter United Methodist. Church representative Jean Klark stated “Our church kids are delighted to once again make valentines for our troops."

Lastly, we are happy to welcome Victory Baptist Church to our Valentines Day card drive. Victory Baptist regularly sponsors care packages for our troops,. Indeed, they were excited to join us on this mission as well.

To all our contributors to the Valentines Card drive we thank you for sharing your love with our troops!

Indeed, our brave troops serving far from home can look forward to not only receiving a care package filled with great treats, gourmet coffee, energy gels, beef jerky, personal necessities but also finding a fantastic one-of-a-kind card from a loving child.

We often receive photos of our troops grinning from ear-to-ear as they proudly hold up the cards included in their very own care package.

A little gesture goes a long way to brighten the days for our service members, and it’s a great way to let them know how much we care.

Four Chaplains Day Honors Faith and Sacrifice

When the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester was struck by a German submarine, Feb. 3, 1943, four Army chaplains spread out among the soldiers, calming the frightened, tending the wounded and guiding the disoriented toward safety. They were Lt. George Fox, a Methodist; Lt. Alexander Goode, a Jewish Rabbi; Lt. John Washington, a Roman Catholic Priest; and Lt. Clark Poling, a Dutch Reformed minister. (U.S. Army)

WWII saw countless acts of bravery and sacrifice. Indeed, our brave troops and their allies did all in their powers to protect the world from the tide of tyranny sweeping the globe. However, one tale of sacrifice involved warriors sent to spiritually protect and guide our troops. Never forget the ultimate sacrifice of The Immortal Chaplains.

In the early morning hours of February 3, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed by the German submarine U-223 and cast into chaos. The Dorchester, a converted civilian liner was carrying 900 souls aboard. Torpedoed off the coast of Newfoundland in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, the ship was going down.

However, as the ship began sinking and panic ensued, the four chaplains aboard stepped forward to offer hope and courage. Despite their own fears, the chaplains did not despair. Indeed, drawing on their deep wells of faith, Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed sacrificed all.

Nevertheless, knowing the outcome would result in their deaths, each removed their own life vests. Further, with the mortally wounded Dorchester out of life vest, the chaplains placed their own on those in need. Ignoring their own safety, they prayed for the dying and offered words of encouragement to those who would live. Poignantly, these men of different faiths were seen drawn together in prayer as the ship went down.

On Feb. 3, 1943, the U.S.A.T. Dorchester, a luxury ship converted into an Army transport, ship was part of a convoy in icy waters, 150 miles from its destination, an American base in Greenland. It carried 902 servicemen, merchant seamen and civilian workers. Photo via Wikipedia

As we mark the 81st anniversary of their courage and selflessness, let us remember their legacy and honor their memory. Let us share their story and show our own appreciation for those who serve our country. Join us in remembering the Four Chaplains and honoring their legacy of faith and courage.

Check Your Inbox for Your Annual Giving Summary

It may not be your favorite time but there is just no avoiding Tax Season! While it may not be quite as fun as baseball season, we hope to make tax time just a little less painful.

In fact, end of the year Annual Giving Summary were emailed on January 5, 2023 and again on February 1, 2024. Missed it? Might need to check your junk mail. Look for the subject line “Year-end Annual Giving Receipt for {your name} from Troopathon.” Receipts were emailed to the email address we have on file for you.

Still don’t see it? Don’t worry! Additionally, request it at any time by calling us at (916) 441-6197. Hey, don’t want to call, we get it. Simply dash off an email [email protected]. We’ll take care of you! After all, you take amazing care of our troops and we appreciate it. That’s why we will make sure receipts are easy breezy.

Finally, just so you know Troopathon IS A TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) CHARITY REGISTERED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE. (EIN/TAX ID #84-1627277) ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

As Tensions Rise So Do Care Package Requests

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 26, 2023) U.S. and Israeli senior military leaders and members of the international press observe an E2-D Hawkeye from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 land on the flight deck during flight operations aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during exercise Juniper Oak 2023-2, Jan. 26, 2023. Juniper Oak 23-2 is a bilateral military exercise, led by U.S. Central Command and the Israeli Defense Force, designed to enhance interoperability between the U.S. and Israel militaries. Juniper Oak 23-2 joins the long-standing ÒJuniperÓ series that the U.S. and Israel have conducted for more than 20-years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Avis)

United States Military engagement has dramatically and dangerously ramped up in the Middle East and across the globe. In fact, according to the Department of Defense there are upwards of 30,000 troops across all branches currently deployed to the Middle East and these numbers are rising. Truly, the US has reestablished a serious presence in the Gulf region

Needless to say, with our troops on the ground as well as at sea, support is vital. Consequently, we are seeing a rise in requests for care packages area of deployment.

Indeed, this is the biggest crisis for American troops in the Middle East since Biden's disastrous pullout from Afghanistan. Too many lives were lost in that debacle, so we are praying that it's handled better this time.

We need your support our troops on the front lines. They need our support more than ever!

Fourth Deployment and Still Smiling

"This is currently my 4th deployment and I usually receive one or potentially two care packages from home during these deployments. It can be costly for my wife and difficult to put together with the strained financial positions deployment can cause as an Air National Guard member. Care packages give me and my guys a much needed boost on our worst days. In the past we have shared them because some people receive no mail or care packages at all. Thank you for your mission and for all you do for service members!"
Brandon P. United States Air Force -- Deployed, Middle East