Operation American Soldier is a non-profit based in Watertown, Mass., with a mission to make sure “no soldier walks from mail call empty-handed.”

When Wendy and John Rocca heard about the lack of homeland support for soldiers serving overseas alongside their daughter, Tracy, who was stationed in Iraq, they asked for the other soldiers’ names and addresses, and started sending Care packages.

The small organization started in 2003 in the couple’s home and has blossomed into a charity with locations in Massachusetts and Michigan. Through their kindness, OAS has brought smiles to the faces of more than 5,000 American troops.

OAS holds a monthly packing event in the Pvt. Shutt Detachment at 215 Mount Auburn St. in Watertown, where people come together to create “cheer boxes” for troops overseas. Tightly packed into every crevice of each USPS box are food and supplies, such as soup, coffee, Crystal Light, tuna, microwave popcorn, beef jerky, ramen noodles, canned fruit, AA batteries, hot chocolate, granola bars, T–shirts, and travel-size toiletries. Each box is then outfitted with a card — hand-written by the box’s packer.

“Sometimes its hard to figure out what to write, but then you remember the reason you’re writing and the words just come to you.” said Lisa Carcerano, a volunteer.

The care packages are then sent out and happily received all over the world. Those troops are so grateful they sometimes even send responses: “We have continued to receive the military care packages you and your organization send … I’m not sure how many people thank you, so let me speak for the group and express our gratitude. God Bless you for remembering us.” wrote Jerry T, while serving in the US Air Force.

The community packing events not only help those who receive the supplies, but they also help bring a sense of perspective and community to its volunteers.

“Helping those that help us comes easily when you are grateful for the huge sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day,” said volunteer Laura Baliestiero. “It’s truly a time when everyone feels united and you get to hear everyone’s story. Whether they have served, know someone who has served or just want to help, everyone comes together for one common goal: to let those overseas know we care.’’

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Operation American Soldier is one of many organizations helping soldiers in need. If you want to help our troops, or make a difference in any way, it’s as easy as doing some research, making a connection, and sparing a little time. The best part of any community service event is the resulting feeling of accomplishment. There is no better feeling than the one you get when you know you have helped someone!

To get involved with OAS, visit www.operationamericansoldier.com, or send an email to Wendy Rocca at [email protected].

–Oct. 2, 2014–