LTC Dad Project

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The LTC Dad/Iraq Project

Supporting Acton and Boxborough's Troops Serving in Iraq

On April 1st, 2004, a community email message went out inviting Acton and Boxborough families and organizations to donate items to support a local father serving in Tikrit, Iraq. This Army Lieutenant Colonel distributed the candy, drink mix, snacks and cards that we sent, and the "LTC Dad" project began. (His name was not used to protect his family's privacy.) Over time, requests were made for school bags of supplies and soccer balls for the Iraqi children whose schools were being rebuilt by our American soldiers, resulting in many enthusiastic donations. Weekly updates are emailed out, and messages from Iraq are forwarded as they are received.

LTC Dad (now COL Andrew Barclay) arrived back home in March 2005. Since then, we have supported MAJ Don, SFC Dan, SPC Marc, MAJ Wendy, LCPL Brian, and PFC Dickon, all from Acton, as well as Chaplain LTC Erkkinen who grew up in Boxborough. All have safely returned home. Currently, we are mailing to SGT Tim (1996 ABRHS Grad), PFC Michael (22 year old whose family is in Acton), as well as 3 soldiers serving or volunteering in Combat Support Hospitals in Baghdad, Tikrit, and Al Asad. Most publicity is done via a large local email list. Requested donations vary according to each serviceperson's location, responsibilities, and abilities. We are not associated with any organization. We are 100% local volunteers.

600 boxes have been sent to Iraq in the past 3 years, including 1500 school bags full of supplies for Iraqi children, and 450 soccer balls! $13,000 has been spent on postage. We will continue as long as donations are received and there is an Acton or Boxborough citizen serving in Iraq who is able to accept them. This is our community's way of saying "THANK YOU!".

Suggested Donations

• Powdered drink mix (lemonade, iced tea, any flavor), Teabags

• Pop Tarts, Gum, "Good" Cereal (Coco-Krispies!)

• Mints (lifesavers, Tictacs), Hard candy, Nuts

• Individually packaged cookies and snack bars,

• Chapstick, Baby/hand wipes

• Playing cards and small games or puzzles

• Red Sox and Patriots items

• Kids' drawings and cards are great! Notes and cards from adults are appreciated too.

• Checks payable to LTC Dad/Iraq Project for postage or supplies are welcome, but not required. They may be mailed to:

  • Beth Petr, 26 Nashoba Road. Acton. MA 01720, or

  • Middlesex Savings Bank, 577 Mass Ave, Acton, MA 01720 (acct #800812283).

Toiletries for Injured Soldiers in the Combat Support Hospitals

Small shampoos, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, soap, and small tissues are being collected and assembled in large ziplock bags as toilet kits. A "Thank you for your service!" card or brief note is great to include. Non-aerosol items only, unscented soap is preferable, no glass.

Where to Donate

• Acton Real Estate Office - 371 Mass. Ave in Acton

• Acton or Boxborough Middlesex Savings Banks

For more -information, or to join the email list for updates contact Beth at BPetr@verizon.net.

This is not a political activity. It is neighbors supporting neighbors who are serving our country.

Acton Real Estate© 2008