College Republicans support troops
Published May 4, 2007
Among the items in the donation box at the 2007 Troop Drive sponsored by the MU College Republicans were a box of plastic utensils, some powdered fruit drink mix and a package of baby wipes.
The purpose of the Troop Drive, which was held Wednesday in Memorial Union North, was to collect items U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan lack access to while overseas.
"There's a lot of drives that are for the basic things that a lot of people donate," College Republicans' Secretary Eric Hobbs said. "This drive is that but also contributes a lot of things that aren't common at other drives."
The organization worked in conjunction with MarineParents.com, a Columbia-based organization established in January 2005 that sends care packages every 10 weeks to 1,000 Marine troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Amber Hanneken, systems administrator for the College Republicans, said the purpose of the drive was to boost morale.
"We just wanted to do something to really show our support for the troops and send them some home comforts that they just can't get out there," Hanneken said. "Many of our officers and members have served overseas or will in the future."
Hanneken used an event posting on Facebook.com to publicize the drive and was pleased with the positive feedback in response to the event.
"What's nice about having it on campus is people will walk by and see what we're doing, then come back with some items to donate later on," Hanneken said.
Hanneken said the drive was postponed because of the stormy weather. But the combination of the rain and the location led to a lower turnout rate.
Despite of the rain, the College Republicans were able to fill their donation box.
MU sophomore Philip Kwan contributed Pop-Tarts, cans of tuna, mints, hard candies and a letter of moral support.
"I've got a lot of friends serving overseas," Kwan said. "I support the troops and President Bush."
MU sophomore Dale Wolchko served in the United States Marine Corps for four-and-a-half years.
"The best things to send are your personal, favorite things," Wolchko said. "Anything that you have that's like your guilty pleasure. I drink a lot of Mountain Dew and Pepsi, so when my friend would get a package with Mountain Dew in it, I would end up buying Mountain Dew from him."
Wolchko suggested that students burn mix CDs of their favorite songs released in the past year if money is an issue.
In addition to the package drive, paper and envelopes were provided in case people wanted to write letters of support to the troops.
Wolchko offered a caveat to those who wish to write letters of support to the troops.
"Leave political opinions out," Wolchko said. "Because just like here I know some troops are for the war, some troops aren't. And to get a letter that differs from your opinion, it makes you feel a lot less appreciated."
Former MU College Republicans President Nick Haynes, who served in the United States Navy for six years, said he plans on contributing magazines, a carton of cigarettes and a log of tobacco.
"While it's not politically correct, it makes a world of difference," Haynes said of sending the troops tobacco products.
Haynes strongly encouraged community members to contribute, emphasizing how much the packages boost troop morale and provide a sense of motivation.
"Getting a care package from your family is one thing," Haynes said. "It's kind of expected. But to get things from complete strangers is a significant thing to show that there is more than just your small network supporting you."