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Unit Members Help Pack Care Packages for Troops

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Kaufman
  • 171 ARW/PA
Dec 2009 --       What a better way to start this Christmas season than to help bring joy to others!  The Greater Beneficial Union (GBU) of Pittsburgh invited members of the 171st Air Refueling Wing to help send joy to deployed troops this year. 
     GBU has taken it upon itself to make this event happen for the past three years.  Its goal this year was to package 900 boxes of snack foods and necessary toiletries by noon.  
     Amazingly enough, after starting around 9am and filtering through 50-60 volunteers, they were able to package 915 boxes, labeled and ready to mail. 
     The volunteers included many members of GBU, representatives from the mayor's office as well as other political representatives. 
      Over the past three years that this event has happened, GBU members have donated all supplies needed. 
     The GBU board has passed approval to run this event again in 2010.  Jim Stoker (CEO) and Matthew Blistan (National Vice President) were very involved in the set-up, execution and follow through to create a successful event.  
     Because of the kind hearts and generous nature of GBU members, these volunteers will have a positive impact on deployed military members this holiday season.