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With help from community, Clarkson University sends care packages to ROTC alumni in Iraq, Afghanistan

Posted 12/20/10

POTSDAM – With help from across the community, Clarkson University has again sent care packages to Army ROTC alumni serving the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Twenty-seven boxes were packed and …

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With help from community, Clarkson University sends care packages to ROTC alumni in Iraq, Afghanistan

Posted

POTSDAM – With help from across the community, Clarkson University has again sent care packages to Army ROTC alumni serving the nation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Twenty-seven boxes were packed and sent out this year, which included personal care items, homemade cookies and breads, non-perishable food items, magazines, newsletters, holiday cards and "school pride" gifts such as pennants and bookstore memorabilia.

The program is spearheaded by Military Science Department Secretary Shirley Mousaw, who expessed gratitude to the students at Potsdam Elementary School, Allen-Vanguard Inc., Dr. Gary Carr Chiropractic Care, Misty Hollow, St. Mary's Church, SUNY Potsdam's Potsdam Auxiliary and College Educational Services Inc. (PACES), the NY Chi Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and the Society of Professional Women.

The "Drop and Give Me Twenty... Bucks!" Clarkson ROTC alumni program, which generated the funds to fill and ship the boxes, and the Clarkson Guard, a university club for students who support those serving the military, were key supporters.

"We have sent out hundreds of care packages since this effort was started in 2006," says Mousaw. "The holiday boxes not only get much needed comfort items to our graduates, but they also remind them how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice during the holiday season."

Guard President Colby Sortevik, an Army ROTC cadet, reached out to the community for support and says he was amazed by the overwhelming response he received from local businesses, schools, and organizations. "Everyone I talked to was extremely eager and more than willing to help support our effort," says Sortevik.