We here at the ATA Office hope that you and your family were blessed with a joyous Holiday Season. In the spirit of the Holidays the staff here at the ATA office believes it is important to keep in mind those who are a little less fortunate.
Over the past several years the ATA has elected to give to organizations such as Children’s Medical Center of Dayton, Make a Wish Foundation, and the Adopt a Family Program. This year we elected to give to our troops serving overseas and Shawna Johnson came across a very worthwhile organization (www.anymarine.com) that most definitely deserved our attention. They were in need of some simple items that we take advantage of having access to everyday, not to mention a little touch of home. Through the website anymarine.com the ATA was able to coordinate a delivery of many items to our Marines, of which included packaged food, socks, DVDs, toiletries and books. The collection here at the office proved quite successful and that ATA was able to send 4 boxes full of these items to our Marines in Afghanistan.
Once the boxes were prepared they were shipped to SSgt. James Hopkins and ten of his men based out of Camp Lejeune, NC. The age range is 18 to 34 years old, with many of these men enduring their first deployment to Afghanistan. Although there is a roof over their heads and their living conditions are bearable; we wanted to show our gratitude and let them know we appreciate their sacrifice.
Many of these men were not able to be with their families during the Holidays and showed tremendous appreciation in what is in no doubt a difficult situation. We received a most heartfelt letter from SSgt. Hopkins, which we have provided below. As members of the ATA you helped make this donation possible, hopefully you and your family will be touched this New Year by his kind words for all of us.
