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Fla. cadets team with local business to generate gifts for Marine platoon in Iraq
North Co. Cadet Squadron's Clark takes initiative in program
December 13, 2007
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| North County Cadet Squadron members gather with Janelle Willie (front, left), whose husband is serving with the Marines in Iraq, and Shirley O'Brien, who handmade 44 Christmas stockings to hold gifts collected for Marshal Willie's platoon. | Capt. John Clark
Commander
North County Cadet Squadron
Florida Wing
FLORIDA -- North County Cadet Squadron has adopted a U.S. Marine Corps platoon -- the Regimental Combat Team 6 “Smasher” Security Unit in Fallujah, Iraq -- and done its best to help brighten up the soldiers' holidays.
The idea began taking shape when the squadron's cadet commander, Cadet Capt. J. Matt Clark, was getting a haircut and noticed a request list by the barber shop's cash register for Marines in Iraq. The list said simply, “We are putting together Christmas stockings for some our troops in Iraq,” with a rundown of items the troops needed.
After inquiring about the list, Clark prepared a letter and sent it to local businesses, including Costco Wholesale.
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| The squadron's cadet commander, Cadet Capt. J. Matt Clark, presents Costco Wholesale employees Maureen O’Brien and Kelly Venne with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts in soliciting gifts for the Marines. | Costco's marketing manager, James Stedham; assistant marketing manager, Maureen Ritch; and membership manager, Kelly Vanne, contacted Clark about the project and quickly got into high gear. A number of employees bought gifts from a wish list of items the Marines requested, including food, drink mixes, personal hygiene items, games, batteries, coffee, letter-writing material and Christmas cards.
On Nov. 19 the squadron gathered at Costco to receive gifts for 44 Marines attached to the Security Patrol.
Janelle Willie, whose husband, Gunnery Sgt. Marshal Willie, is attached to the unit, was present to acknowledge the gifts from Costco and cadet squadron.
Shirley O’Brien and Laura Malinoswki, friends of the Willies', provided 44 handmade individual stockings. Malinoswki also prepared a Web site in support of the Marine unit and the cadet squadron's efforts.
At their next squadron meeting, the cadets stuffed the stockings and prepared them for shipment so the Marines can receive the items before the Holidays.
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