SPC Joshua Boke visited the Sept. 17, 2009, packing party and assisted with assembling the care packages for local troops serving overseas. Photo by Ginny Craven.

LAKEPORT – On Sept. 17, Operation Tango Mike held a monthly packing party.

The get together began with the reading of several thank you cards and letters recently sent by troops receiving care packages. It is always a delight to hear from them and heart-warming to hear just how much they appreciate their care packages.

The special treat of the evening was a visit from Specialist Joshua Boke who recently returned from his deployment to Iraq.

Boke is from Lake County and is a graduate of Upper Lake High School. He stayed in contact with Operation Tango Mike via the Internet when he was able.

As the end of his tour of duty approached Boke made contact and said he wanted to personally meet and thank the strangers who had made time in their lives to support him.

Boke sent a message when he arrived stateside, gathered the information about the next packing party and made plans to attend.

He spoke to the crowd of nearly 50, expressing his gratitude for the support he received while so far from home and in a combat zone. Boke mentioned that he was always happy to receive the care packages from Lake County, and his buddies were glad to see them coming too.

When asked if there was anything in particular that he enjoyed from the care packages Boke made mention of a few items then enthusiastically said, “For me it was the socks! Definitely the socks!”

During the midst of all the activity of the packing party I asked SPC Boke if the packing party was what he had expected. He said, “No. It’s so personal. These people really care.”

He went on to say that he had imagined the items were simply donated and dropped off and that a few people just got together and assembled the care packages.

He added, “I had no idea this many people cared this much.”

Boke was joined by a number of family members at the packing party, including his wife, mother and younger brother.

After enjoying their time together, Boke will leave his family and head to his next duty station at Fort Carson. The young soldier will leave Lake County knowing his service to his country is appreciated.

In order to continue sending monthly care packages, Operation Tango Mike is always in fundraising mode.

The next event slated is something unique and never before seen in Lake County. Operation Tango Mike is proud to present the “Sky Pilot Chronicles” at the Soper-Reese Theatre at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The “Sky Pilot Chronicles” is a presentation for all ages and will astound and inspire the audience. Brian Shul, a fighter pilot, was shot down over Vietnam and was rescued by a Special Forces unit. He went on to an illustrious career which included piloting the world’s fastest jet, the SR-71 Blackbird.

Shul’s journey from being shot down and rescued, recovering from severe injuries and piloting the world’s fastest jet is a riveting story. His show includes previously classified and top secret aerial photography that is amazing.

Seating for the event will be limited and advance ticket purchase is highly recommended for this one of a kind presentation.

Advance tickets will be available soon for $15 at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport and Kelseyville and Strong Financial Network in Lakeport. Advance tickets may also be purchased at the Soper-Reese Theatre box office from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursdays. If tickets remain available they will be $20 at the door.

The next Operation Tango Mike packing party will take place on Oct. 15. The care packages will be assembled and shipped as the Thanksgiving boxes for our troops. Holiday candies, treats and items are needed to make those care packages extra special.

Anyone wishing to participate and help with assembling care packages for the troops is invited to packing parties, which are held on the third Thursday each month at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport.

Donations are always welcome and goods may be deposited in any Operation Tango Mike “Drop Zone Barrel” at businesses throughout Lake County. Items may also be placed in the barrel at Umpqua Bank and monetary donations may be sent to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

If you would like more information, please call 349-2838 or e-mail operationtangomike/@mchsi.com .

Joshua Boke – wearing an Operation Tango Mike hoodie – and his family, including his wife and mother, visited during the packing party. Photo by Ginny Craven.