Welcome Aboard Mike Nichols

Troopathon is thrilled to announce the newest member of our family, Mike Nichols. As a newly appointed member of the Troopathon Board of Directors, Mike brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our program.

Mike Nichols has dedicated his life to serving his country and supporting veterans and military families. Mike has worked closely with Troopathon for over a decade serving as a key coordinator for Troopathon's care package program. Thus, ensuring that our military families receive the support they deserve and inventory for our care packages.

Indeed, Mike’s military roots run deep. Deployed to Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, Mike served with Delta Company 5/46 198 second platoon in Chu Lai. His experiences in the jungles of I Corp shaped his understanding of sacrifice and camaraderie, and he celebrated his 21st birthday alongside his fellow soldiers in the field. His first-hand knowledge of what it feels like to serve far from family and loved ones brings a unique and valuable perspective to our Board of Directors.

After his military service, Mike embarked on a successful career with UPS, serving 12 years as a driver and 18 years in management. However, his commitment to supporting veterans remained unwavering. Introduced to the needs of veterans through his brother-in-law, Mike became deeply involved in Stand Down events, eventually serving as President of the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down, which grew to become the third-largest in the state.

“I retired after 30 years with UPS and my daughter says she sees me less now than she did then. I was a workaholic then and I guess I still am.” Concluded Mike.

According to Mike “I’ve been working with Scott for a long time, we work so well together through our various veteran and military support efforts and I just want to keep on doing what we’ve been doing and watch the program grow.”

Recently Mike coordinated a massive donation of over 10,000 cans of Wild Planet canned salmon which we are thrilled to be offering in our current care packages to our troops.

Mike has helped us with many of our donation resources from Bombas socks, candy, protein bars and of course the Wild Planet wild caught salmon.

Mike Nichols's selfless dedication to his country and fellow veterans makes him an invaluable addition to the Troopathon Board of Directors. His leadership and passion for serving others will undoubtedly contribute to the organization's continued success in honoring and supporting our nation's heroes. Please welcome Mike to our Board!

Eternal Pledge of Gratitude

The United States military, With sacrifice and courage,
Their duty to protect and serve, Their love for country, Never to waver.

Through battles fought and wars won, Through heartache and pain,
They stand tall, brave and strong, For freedom they'll forever remain.

From the deserts to the seas, From the mountains to the skies,
They defend our nation's liberty, With valor in their eyes.

Their sacrifice, a debt we owe, To those who've fallen before,
We honor them and those who go, To protect us evermore.

Through their service, they inspire, A deep and profound appreciation,
For the men and women of our military, We hold a love that's true and pure.

We pledge to support them, In every way we can,
To show them our gratitude, For all that they have done.

Scott Raab, Troopathon Outreach Director, OEF/OIF US NAVY Veteran

Regular Support Fills Critical Need

Troopathon is committed to providing emotional and tangible support to active-duty troops deployed to combat areas around the world. Our "Monthly Smiles" recurring donation program is an easy and convenient way to support our mission all year long.

Sign up is simple and easy! When you sponsor a care package you are given the option to donate one-time or make your donation recurring. Simply click on recurring for the frequency you wish and you are in!

When you sign up for our Monthly Smiles program, you can choose to donate on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. These donations will go directly towards the cost of care packages, which are tailored to the specific needs and requests of deployed troops. With your donation, you can also include a personal message of support that will be included with a care package.

One of the benefits of our Monthly Smiles program is the convenience and flexibility it offers. You can start, stop, or modify your donations at any time, and you can have access to your donation profile and history online. If you have any issues or questions, our team is available to assist you by phone, email, or mail.

Our troops love receiving care packages. As United States Airforce member Jonathon, who is currently deployed says, “Let’s me know someone is thinking about me and gives me hope.” Hope, what a simple and powerful gift you can offer our troops every month. It is certainly more satisfying and fulfilling than that extra drive-thru coffee you might forgo in order to send a monthly gift to our troops.

Your Monthly Smiles donations are completely tax-deductible and the best way to support our troops on the front lines. Best of all, you will make a difference in the lives of those who serve our country.

What a great way to send a message of support and appreciation all year long, not just around the holidays because we send packages when no one else does. Sign up today and be a key part of our team that keeps our troops smiling!

Letters From Our Troops

As much as our troops enjoy receiving care packages with personal letters included, we are equally thrilled when they write us to let us know just how much they enjoy receiving care packages from our dedicated Troopathon sponsors like you. We thought we would share a few of the many notes and photos we have received that touch our hearts and bring tears to our eyes.