Military moms Kandee Stoleson, Denise Wilson and Paula Bryant pack care packages. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT – Nearly 70 care packages were assembled with loads of goodies and lots of love and support for our troops on Thursday evening.

Every care package included a copy of the Proclamation issued on May 6 that declared National Military Appreciation Month in Lake County.

A wide variety of food and snack items was packed as well as many special hygiene items. Given the extreme conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, lots of lotions, sunscreen, powders, wipes and foot care products were packed.

The group of Operation Tango Mike supporters and box packers included veterans, military parents, a military fiancée, patriotic civilians and a family of four.

Dave and Christy Wold and their two daughters helped out by adding a special touch to every care package. Each box was finished with patriotic stickers, special notes and hand-drawn decorations, all done by the Wolds. They even created a handmade birthday card for Ivan Wilson, a Lake County Marine currently deployed in Afghanistan.

Dave and Christy Wold's daughters joined in the packing party. Courtesy photo.

Operation Tango Mike care packages have been arriving in Iraq and Afghanistan in an average of eight days. It is very likely the majority of these May care packages will be in the hands of troops before Memorial Day. Supporters of Operation Tango Mike assemble and ship care packages every month. Anyone wishing to join in the support effort is welcome. Correspondence is always needed as it is the number request from the care package recipients. Cards, notes and letters can be placed in any donation barrel throughout the county.

Operation Tango Mike usually ships 80 to 100 care packages each month. Shipping costs range from $800 to $900 per month. Contents of the care packages are donations received from the generous citizens of Lake County. Operation Tango Mike is supported by donations and fund raising efforts.

Operation Tango Mike Comedy Night, a fundraiser, will be Saturday, May 31, at the Big Valley Grange in Lakeport. The headliner will be Mark Pitta, who has appeared on the Tonight Show, Third Rock From The Sun and Comedy Central. Also appearing will be Dave Bothum, a Marine Corps veteran, from the Jarheads of Comedy. Aspiring local comedian Craig Hulsey will be there along with host Marc Yaffee.

Tickets are $20 for general admission; $15 for veterans, and active duty uniformed military personnel will be admitted at no charge. Tickets are available at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport and Pearadise Video in Kelseyville. Seating is limited and advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. You must at least 16 years of age to attend.

If you have any questions or would like more information about participating with Operation Tango Mike, please contact Ginny Craven at (707) 349-2838 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tango Mike translates to “thanks much” in military jargon and Operation Tango Mike is Lake County’s thank you to our troops.

Donna Christopher of Lucerne puts together care packages for her sons Zac and Eli, who are deployed. Courtesy photo.

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