Soldiers need help in holiday trip home

By Dale Liesch | Dadeville Record

Originally published 11:04 a.m., November 6, 2008
Updated 11:04 a.m., November 6, 2008

Families of soldiers in the Alabama National Guard 158th Support Maintenance Unit out of Tallassee said goodbye to the troops early Monday morning but are hoping they will be back for Thanksgiving dinner.

Caitlin Stroud and other soldiers’ wives are hoping to raise enough money to bus the troops back home from Camp Atterbury for one last holiday before they start a deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“They have a 400 day deployment so they are going to miss a lot of holidays,” Stroud said. “We are trying to get them home for one last holiday.”

The cost to bus the troops home would be approximately $100 a soldier, with 202 soldiers in the 158th the total cost is set at around $20,000.

According to Stroud a Veterans of Foreign Wars group in the area has agreed to donate half of the needed funds but that still leaves her and other families about $10,000 short.

“That’s a lot of money to raise in three weeks,” Stroud said. “We’ve raised some money but it’s far from what we need. We need a lot more money.”

Stroud said she has been on the phone and canvassing neighborhoods trying to raise the needed money and is asking for anyone who can to donate to their cause.

“We’re looking for personal or business donations,” Stroud said. “Whether it be 25 cents or $500, every little bit people can donate will help.”

Stroud said folks interested in donating to the cause can send checks to the family Readiness Group 158th Support Maintenance Company c/o Dianne Gamache 2382 Gilmer Ave. Tallassee 36078.

Stroud said those who wish to donate could also contact her via email at soldierswife1216@yahoo.com.

“We’re doing everything we can,” Stroud said. “We really want to see our guys come home.”