Over there

Greenwood Lake Legion Post to adopt a platoon in Afghanistan Greenwood Lake — Jean and Walter Kittle are a true military family. Walter, a recently retired NYPD officer, was just 18 he joined the Navy. Later, he was part of the Army National Guard for nine years. Currently, he is part of the Air Force National Guard. “My husband truly is GI Joe,” said Jean. Like many, the Kittles want to do more to help the soldiers who are overseas. And they are doing just that, with the help of the entire community. The Kittles are organizing an effort, through the American Legion Post 1443, to adopt a platoon. The AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort was founded in 1998 by volunteer mothers to ensure that deployed U.S. service members get the support they need. It is a non-profit group put together to provide a better quality of life for the men and women in the military who are serving overseas. Walter read about the organization in a military magazine he receives. He and Jean decided they wanted to do more than just give moral support to the troops in the Middle East. They talked it over with Pat Buckley, the commander of the Greenwood Lake post, who thought it was a great idea. So, they contacted the group and adopted a platoon stationed in Afghanistan. They are not sure of the number of men in the platoon — just that they are all men. They were originally told there were 20, but are double-checking since most platoons usually have about 50 members, Jean said. It doesn’t matter how many members there are. Jean wants to send so much stuff to them, there will be enough to share with other platoons. So, they are rallying the troops here at home, hoping to gather donations of items we take for granted here, items such as junk food, games, socks and underwear, shaving cream and razors, Chap Stick and baby wipes. Games would be great, as would AT&T phone cards. Written cards and letters would be appreciated as well. This is not the first time the Kittles have brought the community together — they ran the benefit this past summer for the family of Louis Allen, the fallen soldier who taught at Tuxedo High School. The Kittles did not know Allen but he was a member of Walter’s old Army unit, which is still in Iraq. This is not a holiday event. Jean said the Legion post has adopted this platoon until they return home, which is scheduled for July, 2006. They are hoping to get the first box out sometime next week so that the troops can have it by Christmas. Shipping huge quantities of supplies to Afghanistan could be an expensive proposition. The Kittles said they would foot the bill for shipping — as long as they can get the boxes to the troops, they are willing. “The soldiers need all the support we can give them,” said Jean. “Military families have to take care of each other. We are firm believers in the military.” Anyone wishing to donate may contact the Legion at 477-2193 or the Kittles at 988-1606. For more information on the AdoptaPlatoon program, its Web site is www.adoptaplatoon.org.