LAKEPORT – The Fourth of July should be a celebration from home for the troops on Operation Tango Mike's shipping list.
On June 19, the Tango Mike volunteers packed a record 60 boxes. Even with the low-key recruitment used to limit the number of volunteers to the capacity of the parish hall at Saint Mary Immaculate, there was plenty of help from both "civilians" and the members of Chapter 951, Vietnam Veterans of America.
The "civilians" featured bride Desiree Muchmore, whose new husband is deploying in November, and Donna Christopher, community activist. Other helpful hands included John Christopher, Liz Ezzell, Carol Whitaker, Bobbi Chambliss, Jackie Wilson, Denise Wilson and Mike Curran. The latter two are parents of troops in Iraq.
VVA Chapter members helping included Don and Peg McCown, Woody and Sandy Hughes, Harry Graves, Skip Hulet, Dan Davi, Steve Sayers, Ed Moore, Larry Mick and this author.
Ramrodding the setup effort were Ginny Craven and Chapter President Dean Gotham. Ginny then settled in to be Quality Control for the final product. In over four years, not a single box of hers has ever bounced back, so she obviously knows her stuff.
The volunteers were so intent on their mission most never realized refreshments were available until the packing was pretty much complete. Packing took about an hour and a half. However, Ginny and Dean probably put in five hours all told because they haul donations to and from the hall, set up beforehand and tear down afterwards.
An interesting sidelight is that as Operation Tango Mike has grown, it has acquired the names of more and more local troopers without undercutting its purpose of supporting combat troops. Lake County apparently doesn't supply too many rear echelon troops to the cause.
Look for us to ship in about another month. Donations of money and goods are still most welcome. Contributions of checks or money orders can be tax deductible. Mail to P. O. Box 1313, Lakeport, CA 95453-1313. Cash donations may be given to Ginny Craven. Her cell phone is 707-349-2838 .
We still have our donation barrels out, with some additions to the cause. Whether or not you drop something in these barrels – and we hope you do – please thank those kind enough to host them.
Here's a list of our drop zones:
In Kelseyville: Riviera Foods at 9730 Soda Bay Road.
All three Hardester's Markets: on Highway 29 in Middletown, in Hidden Valley at 29843 Hartman Road, and at 16295 Highway 175 on Cobb Mountain.
Clearlake: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2237, 3980 Veterans Lane; American Legion Post 437; 14770 Austin Road; Foods, Etc., 15290 Lakeshore Drive.
Spring Valley: Russ' Valley Pantry, 1578 New Long Valley Road.
Clearlake Oaks: Tower Mart No. 161, 12583 East Highway 20, and Nylander's Red and White Store, 12580 East Highway 20.
Lucerne: Lakeview Market, 6068 East Highway 20.
Nice: Sentry Market, 2265 East Highway 20.
- Upper Lake: Country Carpets, 9465 Main Street; Judy's Junction, 375 East Highway 20.
- Lakeport: Mackey Tires and Spas, 2102 S. Main St.; The Ink Spot, 95 Third St.; Kerrie's Quilting, 1853 N. High St.; The Iron Worker Gym, 325 20th St.; Safeway, 1071 11th St., Bruno's Shop Smart, 355 Lakeport Blvd.; and Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St.
A special note about the latter, and how they've gone the extra mile for us. Umpqua Bank has transformed its entire lobby into an appeal for our cause, and has taken it upon themselves to collect monies as well as goods for us.
We have the Shannon Ridge Winery fundraiser to look forward to on June 30 and July 1, from noon until 4 p.m. They have pledged a portion of their proceeds to Operation Tango Mike, bless their hearts. We'll have a booth there, and hope to see all of you.
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