The Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1189 in Okmulgee are sending their support and thanks to the Oklahoma Army National Guard troops who have been deployed to the Middle East since June with much needed personal supplies in care packages addressed to each soldier.
vfw logoCarol Smith, Post 1189 Auxiliary President, along with other officers of the Auxiliary visited with the administration officer and NCO at the local armory for advice on what the individual soldier needs that he or she would not otherwise be able to easily obtain while on active duty in the Middle East. Okmulgee’s local armory is home to Company A of the 777th Aviation Support Battalion which is headquartered at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, AR. The Oklahoma National Guard website describes Company A as the ONG 90th Troop Command’s “777th Distribution Company providing water distribution, fuel distribution, warehouse operations, and transportation as necessary. The unit has supported multiple State Active Duty missions and is currently deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.”
After learning what the troops’ most desired needs are, the Auxiliary purchased items such as shower shoes, soaps and shampoos, moistened hand wipes, easily pocketed packaged snacks, chewing gum, ballistic shatter proof UV protection safety sunglasses, and other needed items helping to make each soldier’s life a little easier while performing their duty overseas. The Auxiliary will be preparing the care packages Oct. 15 with the help of National Guard members assigned to the local armory who are administratively supporting the deployed troops. This activity and preparing the packages for overseas mailing will be carried out at the local VFW Post 1189 located at 1427 North Okmulgee Street in Okmulgee.
Nationally the Auxiliaries of VFW Posts throughout the U.S. have nearly 465,000 members in more than 4,000 Auxiliaries who volunteer millions of hours and fundraise millions of dollars for charitable projects that benefit veterans, military service personnel and their families. Anyone 16 years or older that have a relative who is a member of the VFW or eligible to be a member of the VFW is eligible to join the Auxiliary and take part in assisting America’s Veterans and Troops. If interested in becoming a member of VFW Post 1189 Auxiliary in Okmulgee, contact Auxiliary President Carol Smith, 918-232-5621.