SHAMOKIN - Bob Sandri of Shamokin has been keeping in touch with a friend in the U.S. Army, Col. Kurt Ryan, commander of the 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.
About a month ago, Ryan arrived with his team at RC (Regional Command) North Afghanistan and, through e-mail, Sandri asked Ryan if he'd like a care package sent to him. He replied, "You know, I'm truly wont for nothing here in Afghanistan. I live on a base with 37,000 people and 11 choices of free dining. I am priding myself never to have to buy a thing at the PX ... and I've been successful to date."
The e-mail from Ryan continued, "If you'd like to send something c/o me, some stuff for the troopers in remote combat outposts, I would gladly ensure the package gets rigged on the next parachute bundle smoking! I can guarantee you that."
Sandri then asked if he could share his military address with others, and he replied "You bet." Ryan promised, in fact, he'd drive the boxes to the pack shed himself for rigging on the next planes and parachute bundles.
With that, Sandri is encouraging local folks to send packages to the following address for this holiday season:
Any COP Soldier
c/o COL Kurt J. Ryan
HHC, 10th SBTB
Bagram, AF Afghanistan
APO AE 09354
In conjunction, The News-Item encourages readers to send in military addresses for those wishing to have letters or care packages sent to their loved ones serving overseas. They can be addressed to The News-Item, 707 N. Rock St., Shamokin, Pa. 17872, c/o Military Addresses.