LAKEPORT, Calif. – After marking nine years of supporting deployed troops with care packages in March, Operation Tango Mike begins the progression toward 10 years.
The March packing party brought great fun and a few surprises. The open house that preceded the packing party was attended by approximately 125 people.
Rich Hinchcliff was the lucky winner of a drawing for one cord of firewood. He had purchased a ticket, knowing he had no use for the wood, but wanting to support Operation Tango Mike.
Upon being told he was the lucky winner, Hinchcliff donated the wood back, to be given to a veteran.
Supervisor Jim Comstock, a Vietnam veteran, lent a hand with care packages and expressed his gratitude to all those volunteering to support the troops.
Local soldiers, some recently home from Afghanistan, surprised everyone with a very special presentation to Operation Tango Mike.
Sergeant First Class Chad Holland, Staff Sergeant Don McPherson and Staff Sergeant Nelson Gonzalez presented the “True Patriot” award from the California Army National Guard.
The soldiers also graciously cut the anniversary cake and served the guests.
Ericka Boesel and Mariah Phillips, members of the Ukiah Shamrock 4-H were in attendance and donated dozens of plastic camouflage Eater eggs, stuffed with candy. They also donated handmade cards for the care packages.
Members of the Lakeport Lions and local Girl Scouts were also pitching in for the troops.
Even with the drawdown of troops in Iraq, Operation Tango Mike continues to field requests for care packages.
The number of monthly care packages has not decreased significantly, though there has been some misconception in the community. Volunteers continue to prepare 70 to 100 care packages, depending upon deployments beginning or ending near the packing party date.
Everyone is welcome to participate at the monthly packing parties. There are many tasks to be accomplished and efforts are made to accommodate all who wish to help.
Youngsters are invited to grab a marker and stickers and specially personalize the boxes. Troops have said they have actually picked Tango Mike boxes from a delivery, as they quickly recognized the cheerfully decorated gifts.
Sustaining support during difficult economic times is challenging. Thanks to the generosity of the community, no request for care package support has had to be denied in nine years.
Donations of goods are very helpful and may be placed in “drop zone barrels” at businesses in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Monetary assistance to pay shipping fees, which average nearly $1,000 per month, is always welcome.
Donations may be mailed to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451 or may be remitted via PayPal at www.operationtangomike.org .
If you wish to participate, but are unable to attend packing parties, cards and letters are needed every month.
The next packing party will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 19th at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th Street, Lakeport.
You may also bring eyeglasses and hearing aids, which will be donated to the Lakeport Lions for recycling/repurposing.
For further information please call 349-2838, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , visit www.operationtangomike.org or Operation Tango Mike’s Facebook page.