H.S. supports military personnel

MARLBORO - In a continuing effort to remember American troops overseas, Marlboro High School staff members kicked off this year's Adopt-a-Platoon soldier support effort by collecting and sending more than 250 pounds of care package items to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Following the example of their teachers, seniors at the high school are currently collecting additional supplies that will be sent at the end of the month. These efforts will continue throughout the school year as each class and various student clubs take turns collecting items requested by the American platoons.

According to a press release, requested items typically include magazines, DVDs, snack foods, toiletries and hand warmers.

Over the past three years the high school has collected and sent more than 4,000 pounds of care package items to six different platoons deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Marlboro High School is currently supporting two new platoons. One platoon is stationed in Iraq and works with explosive ordnance, while building and repairing the local infrastructure.

The other platoon, stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, trains and mentors the allvolunteer Afghan National Army (ANA). This training team is made up of military personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, and consists of 13 coalition partner nations.

According to the press release, the coalition forces have successfully assisted in training and equipping nearly 35,000 ANA soldiers who are currently operating in 104 locations through Afghanistan.

The Adopt-a-Platoon program is a "soldier support effort and has nothing to do with political views about the war itself," said Dave Pierson, supervisor of electives and program organizer.

"It's important to remember that these young men and women, many of whom are only a few years older than our students, are protecting our freedoms," said Pierson.

He said the high school has received several photos and thank you letters from soldiers. The letters are shared with students and staff during homeroom announcements.