The Berkeley Township Republican Organization has adopted two deployed U.S. Army military units. The first is a transportation unit, in the 101st Airborne Division, deployed in southern Afghanistan. The second being the 1197th Company, a logistics unit deployed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, which is part of the 3rd Army, which was under the command of General George S. Patton during WWII.
Spearheaded by Club Trustee Lloyd Mullikin and assisted by Councilman Carmen Amato and Councilwoman Judy Noonan, the organization has mailed over 60 care packages to both units in the past year.
The 101st Airborne unit, under the leadership of 1st LT Laura Jonikatis, is a unit comprised of 40 mostly young soldiers, 5 of which are female, that provides logistical support to the front line combat troops in their area of operation, one of the most dangerous part of the Afghanistan war zone.” Mullikin said.
I was contacted by former VFW State Commander and local VFW 9503 member Don Marshall through the VFW Program Operation Uplink about a request from 1167th. Don knew we were actively involved in supporting the 101st and wanted to know if we could do anything for the 1197th.” Amato said. I, without hesitation said yes, only to learn that SGT John King, was a former Central Regional High School Graduate and a upperclassmen who I knew at Central Regional, was part of that unit.” Amato said. Amato is a 1987 graduate of Central Regional and a former Central Regional Board of Education member serving from 2000 to 2006.
SGT King’s unit in Kuwait is responsible for bringing back equipment and vehicles from Iraq and other theaters, to refurbish and clean them up to get ready to be redeployed.” Amato said.
“The support for our project has been so strong; we were also able to donate donated items to the American Recreational Military Services Organization (A.R.M.S.), for their ongoing efforts to send items to deployed military service personnel, and their dependants all over the world.” Mullikin said.
Councilman Amato, Councilwoman Noonan and Mullikin are always seeking donated items to send to the troops. The types of items that would be of value to the troops would include things not readily available at their often remote and isolated locations. Items mentioned include: toiletries, energy type foods, like granola bars, that can be consumed while on missions when unable to eat a normal meal. Reading materials containing news from back home, or of interest to young adults, such as magazines like Sports Illustrated and People Magazine, etc., is always appreciated.
Instant beverages, tea, coffee and small quantity coffee making equipment, are very desirable. Spices and sauces to liven up military chow, which can at times, seem pretty bland. Personal items, including non-military clothing such as sweat shirts and tee-shirts, which can contain logos.
Other items of interest might include simple things they could share with the local people and their children, such as school supplies, hard candy, toys, clothing, etc.
Lastly, greeting and note cards that they can use to write home. They can send mail for free, but not surprisingly, they do not have ready access to Christmas, Easter, birthday and other holiday cards.
Our service men and women are putting it on the line each and everyday protecting our freedom. The least we can do is send them some items from home to let them know we do care and appreciate what they do for us. We wish them a safe tour and a safe return home to their families.” Amato said.
We wish to thank the community for their support of our project and of the A.R.M.S. project.” Mullikin said. Residents interested in donating some of these items can call Mullikin at 732-269-1397 or e-mail: lloyd.mullikin@gmail.com or Carmen@carmenamato.com; or call A.R.M.S. at 732-890-4914 or by e-mail at: usslibertyhouse@comcast.net.