For the August letters that we got back from our troops, CLICK HERE.

 

The OPERATION: THANK YOU! INDIANA NEWSLETTER

August 2008

 

Wow, another wild month for Operation Thank You Indiana! 

 

It all started on Aug. 2^nd when the USO style talent show that Terri Potraffke had imagined came to life!  It was an absolutely beautiful night on the beach!  The HVL civic club allowed us to use decorations (including a couple of patriotic banners made by children in Hidden Valley!)  We really weren’t sure how the night would look, and we were nervous about it!  We received a call from Jason Legrand the night before the show.  He had previously recorded a song for the troops called “Coming Home” and was coming to the show bringing a sound system and lights!  All our fears were laid to rest!   Raelynn Deangelis started the show with the National Anthem, Lisa Henderer twirled her batons and ribbon to patriotic music, Anna Zidareschu preformed a sophisticated dance routine, Emily King and Keith Jones played guitar and sang as did Erin and Kevin Baumgartner, they had such talent and such heart!  Jenna Dipuccio and Stephanie Cox preformed a wonderful dance routine! Henry Smith sang Frank Sinatra, Raelynn sang “Held” and gave me chills! The Clint Coalminer’s band, Richie from Rising Sun came to the stage and REALLY entertained!  A couple of us Army moms did a little act for fun!  When Ella Hadley took the stage and dedicated her song to the troops and sang “Jesus take the Wheel” We were all so touched! (That has been our motto!)  Jason performed his song and was awesome all night!  He even helped Terri as she MC’D the event! (She did an awesome job and we really don’t know how she kept it all straight!)

We cannot express our thanks and gratitude to all who came out to perform!  They sure put on a GREAT show!  We have had requests to make this a yearly event!

Our dear friend Henry Smith videoed the night, we are having that transferred and hope to have it on our web site late Sept.  Thank You to everyone who attended.  I had chills as we sang “Proud To Be An American” waving our flags!  What a great show of support for our young men and women!  The New Alsace Legion post #452 provided the flags!  It has been a blessing getting to know these honorable men!

 

August 16^th we attended the Drug Awareness event at the ball fields in Hidden Valley!  Another beautiful day!  The officers spoke of the dangers of drugs and we watched the K-9 dogs in action!  The tumbled a man over 200lbs to the ground!  We had several children make cards for our troops!  It is so inspiring to watch them put so much thought and care in the messages they sent!  We thank Linda Estes for allowing us to participate in that wonderful event!

 

Following the Drug Awareness event-we came together to pack up the Avon Products that were donated though Bill Sess to Operation Thank You!  We packed up 48 boxes!  We still can’t believe how generous that company is!  We have about ½ of their donation in our inventory-so we will send it out as needed!  We thank everyone who came out to help!  Donna and Ron Lask, Terri Potraffke and Larry Nungester ,June Whitney, Tess King, the coordinators-Tom Finch, Gary and Monica Auxier, and Emmy Myers.  Of course we couldn’t get through the day without of official taper-Bill Sess!  We also had the help of David Walker who is now at Boot Camp and will become a Marine!

 

We must give a shout out to Linda at the Guilford post office!  She does a GREAT job especially when we come in with so many packages!

 

 August 20^th we attended Bike Night sponsored by the Hidden Valley Riders at Willies!  We met many awesome people, including some Patriot Riders!  That is always a great time!  Many cards signed and connections made!

 

We had an opportunity to meet with one of our soldier contacts who is home from Iraq!  We took him to dinner at Willies and we were able to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful evening by the lake!

 

We had a Soldier “Brasier” who wrote to us about Windex, Tim mentioned it to a friend Gary Cox, who relayed the story to Norm Mick who happens to work for SC Johnson the makers of Windex.  Norm Mick pulled some strings and had 44 cases of Windex donated to Operation Thank You!  Way to go Gary & Norm!

 

Tim also has a friend Matt Eggers who has helped us out tremendously with donations!  He contacted Skyline who donated 10 cases of Skyline, Biggs-Colerain donated 3 cases of Skyline.  The GE Aircraft Division local 647 UAW donated 3 microwaves and funds for shipping!  He also contacted The Fishing Guides @ Lake Cumberland who have donated numerous fishing trips for our troops!  Way to go Matt!

Elliot Distributing has donated a hand truck, 2 tape guns and tape for our packages!  So generous!  Thank You!

 

To date we have sent 136 packages almost a ton (1847 lbs.) of items for our young men and women! We currently have 48 contacts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait!  That number grows daily!

 

Again, we are overwhelmed with the generosity of people who are concerned and want to share with our troops!

 

We enter into September with high hopes!!  A lot of activity!

 

United Community Bank employees at the corner of Walnut and High Street (Jesse Hunt House) have donated a huge box of goodies, including shampoo, movies, and magazines!  Thank You!

 

George Lortz with Friends of the Library donated numerous boxes of books for our troops!  These are wonderful books in great condition!  We appreciate the chance for our troops to escape their surroundings by getting lost in these fantastic books!  What a great gift!

Thank You so very much!

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Sept. 11^th Day of Remembrance-Please remember to fly your flags with pride!

 

Sept. 13^th Road Block in Bright! 9am-12pm

 

Sept. 17^th Bike Night at Willies

 

Sept. 20^th Tent Sale at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds

 

Please stop by and see us!

 

We are planning a welcome home party Dec. 20^th!  We hope to do these 2 times a year!  Any ideas or suggestions please pass them on!

 

Monetary donations can be made at any United Community Bank!

 

We have Kroger gift cards, were we earn 4% of any monies you load on the card!

 

Operation: Thank You!-One Person Joining With Many To Serve Our Troops While They Serve Us.

 

We would love to have you join us!

 

 

 

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