Operation Troop Support raising money for families

Operation Troop Support held their first board meeting recently. Nonprofit status has been received from the state; federal status is pending. Debbie Hodge was elected secretary; T.J. Jackson and Jason Blanchard were elected event coordinators.

Created to serve as advocates for U.S. troops in Iraq and their families back home, OTS is still raising funds through sales of frozen dumplings. A patriotic decal incorporating a red, white and blue star with a banner stating "we're all in this together" is the organization's latest fund raising mission.

The 1140th Engineer Battallion of the National Guard has 22 men and three women now serving with the unit in Iraq who have not received mail or care packages. This need, along with expenses some families have expressed, will be met through a $1,000 allotment.

For more information about this group or to purchase decals or frozen dumplings, call director Rodger Brown at 334-4991. The next meeting will be June 13.