Thursday, August 23, 2007

Oklahoma Democratic Party and Veterans Committee
Prepare to Ship 116 Care Packages to Troops
Successful event raises items and money for shipping of boxes to troops
deployed
from Oklahoma to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma Democratic Party and Veterans Committee are proud to announce that Tuesday night’s “Support the Troops” event was a tremendous success. The Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters was host to a standing room only crowd, which included Oklahoma elected officials and many veterans who were honored and thanked for their service.

Speakers included Ivan Holmes, Oklahoma Democratic Party State Chair, Representative Richard Morrissette, Vietnam Marine Corps veteran Ron Wasson, Dr. Katherine Scheirman, retired Air Force Colonel and Mike Waggoner, an Iraq veteran and candidate for House District 95. The event was hosted by Wasson and Scheirman, who are the co-chairs of the Oklahoma Democratic Veterans’ Committee.

“The Democratic Party is devoted to political and social justice issues that affect our country’s veterans, because it is critical we stand by the brave men and women of our military,” said Dr. Scheirman.

“Democrats believe we must keep our promises to veterans by providing them with the benefits they have earned,” declared Ivan Holmes, State Democratic Party Chair. Holmes went on to ask, "what is moral about sending our soldiers into a war based on lies with no plan to bring them home?” State Representative Richard Morrissette also discussed our obligation to provide adequate healthcare, including mental heath, to our military and veterans.

“The event was organized to let members of our armed forces know we salute their patriotism and courage” said Dr. Scheirman. “Over $1,500 in miscellaneous items were collected from all over the state and enough money was donated to cover all shipping costs. “

Mike Waggoner, a veteran of the Iraq war, who has been back from deployment for less than two months, told the audience how much these gifts lift the morale of troops by providing a little touch of home to soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.

Volunteers helped create 116 care packages that included prepaid phone cards and comfort items, such as snacks, toiletries, magazines, socks, books and puzzles. Thank you cards expressing gratitude and respect for the troops were included from all those that participated and Democrats across the state.

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