Assembled with care

The Newton American Legion Post 111 assembled 14 care packages to send to Iowa troops currently serving overseas in Iraq and Kuwait.

Initially, the members of the post wanted to come together and make the care packages in March but the social distancing restrictions forced them to cancel those plans. While it is later than originally scheduled, they still wanted to get the packages together for the troops.

“Those folks are getting closer to the end of their tour than the beginning ... But we still wanted to get the packages to them,” American Legion Commander Jerry Nelson said.

There were plenty of goodies being carefully placed into boxes Friday afternoon. Everything from an abundance of Flaming Hot Cheetos, which were a special request, beef jerky, movies and even some fun items such as water balloons.

“We have been doing this about two years,” Nelson said.

The legion usually averages around $500 to $600 each time they do this, Nelson said. Funds from the organization’s chili cook off along with private donations are used for the project. The organization also plans to put together another round of packages in the fall with additional troops are scheduled to be sent overseas.

“If there are folks out there that are from this area that we are not familiar with being deployed, if we get a name and address we will definitely reach out to those folks also,” Nelson said.

Many of those who were present for the packaging of the boxes, including Nelson, understand how much it means to receive a care package full of goodies while serving far away from home. It shows people still care and support those troops while they serve.

“Everything we can do to support those folks the better. I deployed myself almost 10 years ago and I haven’t forgotten some of the stuff that I received while I was over there,” Nelson said.

Among those who helped put care packages together was American Legion adjutant Wesley Justus. He looks forward to participating in putting the packages together and thinks it’s important to do gestures like this.

“Back in my days, it was always interesting to get a care package even if you got it from your folks or your wife or whoever,” Justus said.

Those interested in donating funds for supplies needed for the packages can send a check to the Newton American Legion or find a member to donate cash. They ask to not donate supplies as some may be prohibited or expire before it’s sent.

“That money will be put in that care package line item and that is what that money will be used for,” Nelson said.

The care packages were scheduled to be shipped out immediately and hopefully will reach their destination either in a week or earlier depending on circumstances.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com