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Operation Tango Mike marks 14 years, 19,000 care packages
LAKEPORT, Calif. – When something that survives purely out of the goodness of people’s hearts has lasted 14 years, it should be celebrated.
On Thursday, March 16, Operation Tango Mike marked 14 years of troop support.
On the third Thursday of every month, volunteers gather at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St. in Lakeport to prepare care packages for deployed troops.
Items for the care packages and shipping costs are covered through donations and fundraising.
The effort, founded by Kelseyville resident Ginny Craven, began with a small donation receptacle at a local office in March 2003 and has grown immensely.
Currently, 104 monthly care packages are shipped to troops in nine countries and aboard ships. Monthly shipping fees alone average nearly $1,800.
Military families are supported as well. Many volunteers who support Operation Tango Mike have volunteered their assistance with home repairs, transportation and more. It is often difficult to maintain a household, hold down a job and raise a family when a loved one is deployed. A helping hand is a small act of kindness with a big impact.
With no base or military installation in our area, folks who wish to support troops and their families gather via Operation Tango Mike.
Families are welcomed and are provided with emotional support, knowing that they and their loved ones are appreciated. Families make great sacrifices when troops deploy, often for a year at a time; families serve too.
All are welcomed and appreciated at Operation Tango Mike packing parties, which are family friendly. The effort does not involve politics and is solely motivated to support our troops and their families.
Everyone is welcome to attend packing parties. If your schedule does not allow participation, there are still ways to contribute. Correspondence is needed for every care package. All that is needed is a bit of time to jot down a greeting or note of support for a soldier far from home.
Drawings and colored pictures from children are also favorites. The troops receiving care packages are truly grateful.
Most say it doesn’t really matter to them what they receive. They are simply thankful to receive something from home and their spirits are lifted in knowing they are not forgotten.
Their appreciation is evidenced by the hundreds of thank you messages that have been sent to Operation Tango Mike. Many of the notes are hung on the wall where they can be read at packing parties. Others, such as flags flown in honor of Operation Tango Mike, are proudly displayed on shelves at Umpqua Bank.
For further information or to add your loved one to the care package recipient list, please call Craven at 707-349-2838 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You also may donate via PayPal at www.operationtangomike.org .