Giving support back to the troops in Iraq

Karol Davis and her family want the troops overseas to know that they are loved and supported.

The family started sending care packages to an Army officer from Texas. They couldn't stop there. Karol; her husband, Chris; and mother, Elma Pullis, are now sending packages to a Marine battalion stationed in Iraq.

Davis, a nurse in Minden, said she found troops to adopt through the Web of Support Web site, which is operated by Carson City resident P.J. Degross.

"They're over there because they believe in God and country, and we believe in that, too," Davis said Friday.

The top request is sunscreen, followed by cookies, Kool-Aid and mystery novels.

Packages such as these "means a lot more than anyone knows," said National Guard Specialist Jacob Roberts. He is home in Carson City until he leaves for Iraq on July 7 for his second deployment.

"A lot of people don't get mail, and then they get this unexpected package, and it makes you feel supported," Roberts said.

At Christmas, Davis sent small, artificial, decorated trees to the battalion. For the Fourth of July, she sent streamers.

Of the musical performances for overseas troops, "They say that they're so far out they've never had anyone play for them. But they have Toby Keith coming, and they are walking on clouds."

Their adopted Texan soldier has promised to bring his family to Carson City to meet Davis.

"He's part of our family," she said. "We love him. He's coming to visit as soon as he gets out."

Another shipment

to the troops

Kathy Taylor's Nissan was filled with boxes of supplies after a three-week-long collection for the troops at Carson City Harley-Davidson.

Eleven members of the Carson Tahoe Harley Owners group sorted hygiene products, no-perishable food and writing supplies last week to send to troops in Iraq.

"We were able to box up 44 boxes that are going to be shipped overseas," said Taylor, group treasurer.

The group is sending the boxes through the Blue Star Moms, a national organization for mothers who have children serving in the military.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

Support our troops overseas

• Donate a calling card to help keep service members in touch with their families at www.operationuplink.org

• Send a greeting via e-mail through Operation Dear Abby at www.OperationDearAbby.net

• Visit www.webofsupport.com for information on adopting service members

• Donate to Operation USO Care Package at www.usometrodc.org/care.html

• Support families whose loved ones are being treated at military and veterans' hospitals through a donation to the Fisher House at www.fisherhouse.org

- Source: Nevada National Guard