Scouts come through with treats for troops in Iraq

MARLBORO - Boy Scout Troop 86 of Marlboro wanted to brighten the holiday season for American troops serving in Iraq. When the scouts learned of a young lady, Army Specialist Pharmacy Techni-cian Crystal S. Nelms, 26, who was stationed overseas, the scouts unanimously voted to collect and send items that would remind Nelms and her fellow soldiers of home.

According to a press release from Troop 86, the scouts sprang into action, compiling a list of suggested donations and scheduling two collection days. By the time they were done, the scouts had filled three boxes weighing almost 84 pounds. Items collected included nonperishable food items such as instant oatmeal, Pop Tarts, popcorn, peanut butter, crackers, cookies, instant soups and powdered drink mixes. The scouts also sent paper goods and personal care items such as deodorant, shower caps, cotton balls and cotton tips. Leisure time was also not forgotten; the scouts made sure to include some puzzle books and board games. Finally, when a donation of cash was made, the troop converted the money into international phone cards with a total of 675 minutes.

Nelms is currently deployed with Task Force 21 at Camp Cropper in Baghdad. Nelms enlisted in the army after the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. When her first tour of duty was up she re-enlisted. She received her basic training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., and her pharmacy training at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas.

Neal Kopp, the father of scouts Alex and Eric Kopp, recalled how happy he was when he received such packages during his tour of duty in Vietnam.

"It was always so exciting to get snacks and things that we couldn't possibly get in Vietnam. You knew then that you were not forgotten," he said.

When Kopp learned that a co-worker's daughter was recently sent to Iraq, he told his 17-year-old twin sons about Nelms.

Eric, a senior at Colts Neck High School, had been a member of the school's ROTC. Alex, a senior at Freehold High School, is part of that school's culinary program. According to the press release, both boys immediately suggested collecting items to send to Nelms and her unit and presented the idea to scouting leaders.

A list of suggested donations was formulated and e-mailed to all scouts and their parents. The scouts were asked to bring in their donations by Dec. 18.

According to Nelms' mother, Andrea Faulk, her daughter is a supporter of Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs in Charlotte, N.C. Faulk said that during a call home, Nelms told her how thrilled she was to receive the care packages. Not only did she enjoy the treats from home, but the troops with whom she shared the packages were equally thankful. Faulk said Nelms related how many soldiers expressed their sincere gratitude to receive items that were not immediately available to them.