Letter: Operation Make a Soldier Smile

Dear Fellow Citizen,

For the first time since WWII, Fort Lewis, the third largest post in the United States has sent 18,000 troops to the war zone. This deployment included a Stryker Brigade to Afghanistan where experts believe they can expect a dangerous and exhausting mission.

We encourage you to help us send a minimum of 1,000 holiday care packages to our Fort Lewis troops as part of Operation Make a Soldier Smile (MASS) the creation of Col (Ret) John and Denise Dhane of Steilacoom, WA, assisting them this year is Command Sergeants Major (Ret) Doyle and Paula Watters of DuPont, WA. We are a group of patriotic citizens that hold the welfare of those who serve America, in their hearts and on their minds.

Our communities of Steilacoom and DuPont border Fort Lewis – our residents are eager to support our neighbors who are directly impacted by this massive military deployment.

This will be the fourth time we’ve organized care packages for our troops – but this year is unique as we are ramped up to serve even more soldiers.

We need your help with donations of items, money to help pay for the postage or to purchase items for the care packages. The cost of mailing a holiday care package is approximately $11.

We run a tight ship, and we can offer documentation you may need to validate your donation. We also plan to run advertising in the military papers at Fort Lewis, McChord and local newspapers highlighting our donors, plus include a letter in the care packages announcing our sponsor’s donations.

We are not a 501c3, but if you need the tax deduction, feel free to issue your gift through the Association of the United States Army-Fort Lewis Chapter. You can send the money to AUSA Fort Lewis, c/o the Fort Lewis Ranger Newspaper, 8312 Custer Rd, Lakewood, WA 98499. Those funds will funnel directly to us and AUSA which is a 501c3. AUSA will ensure you receive the correct tax form. Otherwise please send monetary donations to Operation Make a Soldier Smile (OMASS) c/o First Citizens Bank 1495 Wilmington Dr, DuPont, WA 98327 which is not a non-profit organization.

If you care to donate items that are to be included in the packages please see the list under donate.
Any questions you may have, or to coordinate delivery of items, please contact:

• Denise Dhane: 253-686-1505
• Paula M. Watters: 253-227-9092

It is imperative that your response be received no later than October 15, 2009. Holiday Care Packages must be prepared and mailed no later than November 20, 2009 in order for them to reach the soldiers in time for the holiday season. We thank you for your valuable time and generosity.

Sincerely,

Colonel (Ret) John and Denise Dhane