Troops receive videos and telephone cards from their families at Christmas

Live video greetings went out to soldiers and civilians Thursday in the second consecutive year of "Heralds to Heroes," a collaborative effort by the American Red Cross, MedAssets Supply Chain Systems of Cape Girardeau and the use of a software program, VIDITalk, now supported by the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

The program, held at the old Finish Line in the J.C. Penney wing of the mall, sent 20 personal video messages by means of a computer equipped with a video camera. The equipment was brought over from the Southeast Missouri Chapter American Red Cross office so that more heartfelt greetings could be sent to military and nonmilitary friends and family.

"We've stepped it up this year to include messages sent to people other than those in the military," said Mary Burton, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Chapter American Red Cross.

Last year, 27 messages were sent. Burton said that when the equipment is in the office it's used regularly, but it gets more use during the holidays. Appointments must be made so an equipment operator is available.

Thursday's "Heralds to Heroes" got off to a rough start with technology problems. Red Cross volunteer Saundra Blankenship had problems with the new Internet card that added holiday text greetings from the American Red Cross in addition to the personal message.

Blankenship explained that the Red Cross supplied 30-minute phone cards and Red Cross bears to military families sending video messages. Cards made by E. Free Church in Dexter, Mo., were supplied to military families as well.

Blankenship's task as operator of the equipment was to arrange family members to fit in the frame and have them rehearse and then review their message before sending it to loved ones.

Tempess Barnett, who has been serving in Iraq since July, heard from her cousins and aunt Thursday. Teressa Johnson, the aunt, sat down in front of the wireless computer with her two daughters behind her, ready to send her message.

Her beaming face and big smile made it obvious how happy she was to have this opportunity to communicate with her niece. It was a 30-second spot, simple and to the point: "Hi Tempess, it's Teressa, Tina and Tara wishing you a Merry Christmas." Eleven-year-old Tara thought it was exciting, while Tina, 16, couldn't wait to go driving, but the main thing was that Barnett, serving in the Air Force, could see an image of her family at Christmas.

MedAssets volunteers recruited shoppers to use the video messaging system by posting signs in the mall, announcing it on the mall PA system and telling shoppers passing by.

"I came back this year because it was a lot of fun," said Med Assets employee Karen Hann, a veteran volunteer to the "Heralds to Heroes" program. She said that through the company's "Heart and Soul" program, volunteers may donate 40 hours per year to a not-for-profit charity and receive the same wage as if they were working. Hann has spent time this year volunteering at Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and The Salvation Army.

Melanie Brown, also a MedAssets volunteer at the "Heralds to Heroes" program, said, "I think it's good for the troops to know about the support behind them."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133