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AMVETS Post 44 invites community to join Operation Christmas Card
BOARDMAN
John “J.P.” Brown III didn’t receive any cards or well wishes while serving two tours of duty as part of the Navy during the Vietnam War.
Brown, a former national and state AMVETS commander, and his wife, Jan, who is commander of AMVETS Post 44, are making sure the same doesn’t happen to a group of soldiers serving in Iraq.
Post 44 on Tuesday kicked off its first “Operation Christmas Card,” which will send a giant card signed by members of the community to a Marine unit stationed in Iraq. Community members can sign the card today at AT&T in Boardman and Thursday at Struthers Middle School and the VA Outpatient Clinic on Belmont Avenue in Youngstown.
“We’ve been in a war situation since 2001, and we’ve got to remember that even though the newness has worn off ... it’s important to let them know we’re still thinking about them,” said Jan, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant who worked as a recruiter.
“You have to show support for our troops,” John said. “They’re all over the world, and a lot of them are away from their families during the holidays. This is one way to show we support them and we’re thinking of them – and their families, too – during the holidays.”
Despite blustery weather and overcast skies, the post’s kickoff event behind Quaker Steak & Lube at the Shops at Boardman Park was a cheerful affair. AMVETS members and friends – including Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel – signed the card and recorded a video message wishing the troops a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Among the others who stopped by Tuesday were Laurie Gartland and Connie Ortz, both of Austintown. The two were there to eat but got pulled in for group photos, the video recording and a quick selfie with Tressel.
Both expressed support for the cause, noting their own connections to the military. Gartland’s husband, William, served in the Marine Corps; Ortz’s father was in the Navy, and her uncle served during the invasion of Pearl Harbor.
“This is pretty cool,” Ortz said.
“Well-deserved,” added Gartland, “because we shall never forget.”