February 27, 2003, Volume XL, #9

Kristin Ekvall assembles items to be placed into care packages

Operation: MOM Organizing
Limermore-Pleasanton Group

Operation: MOM is an organization with the aim of letting service men and women know they have the support of those who are at home.

The organization is based on the Blue Star Moms in support of the Marines. The current goup has been created to provide emotional support for all family members and friends of those military personnel on active duty. It includes all branches of the military.

Livermore resident Kristin Ekvall is helping to organize a Livermore / Pleasanton branch. The first meeting will be held March 3 at 7:00 pm at the Livermore library, 1000 So. Livermore Avenue.

Ekvall said when her son was sent overseas, she wanted to be able to do something. "Operation: MOM provides that opportunity". One way to keep in contact with the troops is to provide "A Touch of Home". This is being accomplished by assembling care packages.

Ekvall says, "This is something that is so necessary, a way of letting our troops know we at home support them.The packages are filled with all sorts of snacks and small toiletry items.

Last week, the organization prepared boxes that are to be distributed to those serving on two Navy ships stationed in San Diego. The goal Ekvall says, is to send 100 boxes each week to some branch of the military.
Fund-raising events will be planned in the future to help purchase items. Donations are also accepted.

Regular drop-offs ­will be scheduled over the the coming months. Ekvall says, "Think small, when making a donation".

Just some of the items needed include trial size sanitary wipes for hands and small bottles of waterless hand cleaner. Many of the troops Ekvall points out do not have access to shower facilities. Shaving cream
rather than shaving gel is needed. Ekvall says that gel requires more water to use. Lip balm, chapstick, sunscreen, disposable ra­zors, vitamins, kleenex, Q-Tips and more are being sought.

Food, in individual sizes, could include instant hot chocolate, tea, cup of noodles, microwave popcorn, dried fruit, Pringles potato chips, nuts and gum, as well as cookies or snacks foods that will not spoil and are
packed in tins or containers where they will not crumble can be sent to troops. Playing cards are also welcome.

Monthly meetings are planned by Operation: MOM in the Livermore and Pleasanton area.

Ekvall said the organization will need a location for drop-offs to be ­left, as well as a place to store items as they are collected. For-additional information, call Ekvall at 443-7841. Information can also be found on
their website at www.operationmom.org.

A brother company to the “Band of Brothers” has been adopted by resolution of the City of Livermore. “This is a tangible effort to provide personal support for our troops, to show respect and acknowledgment to those who protect us and our way of life” says Marilyn Carter, “Operation: MOM Tri-Valley”.

“Operation: MOM Tri-Valley” is sponsoring the adoption of Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) through “Americans Supporting Americans”.

America Supporting Americans, was borne out of an adoption created some 22 years ago. A young paratrooper (member of the 101st Abn. Div. Vietnam ’68) requested that the City of San Mateo, California adopt his company. That adoption enabled the men in his company to receive mail and support on a more personal basis.

“Operation: MOM Tri-Valley” is a local group of military families and others who wish to support our troops. “I don’t have a son or daughter in Iraq but if they are serving our country to protect me, they’re all my sons and daughters,” says Carter.

“Operation: MOM” supports our troops by providing CARE packages and letters, through comradeship with those going through the challenge of having a loved one at war, and information necessary to those here at home.

“Let me say that our city is anxious to get started with this program. We promise to do everything to encourage our community to participate by writing letters and sending “Operation: MOM” CARE packages. We especially want to hear from Livermore families who want their son’s or daughter’s name to be on a yellow banner on First Street. Please call and we’ll make it happen. The need to show support and appreciation seems almost as strong as our soldiers’ need for the support. Many in our community have asked for ways to help,” reports Carter.

If you have questions or want to become involved with Livermore’s adopted unit, please call Marilyn Joan Carter, 925-447-6221.

At Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Marshall Kamena told councilmembers he had been approached by a group of citizens. They asked that there be a discussion regarding an event to celebrate that homecoming. The rest of the council agreed to explore the suggestion.

City Manager Linda Barton added that, in addition to yellow banners, the city is in the process of tying yellow ribbons on the trees in downtown Livermore.