Adopt a Marine program sends sunscreen to troops
The color pink is a color that Linda Leonard-Thompson often sees in her life. She drives around in her pink Cadillac, the 13th career car she earned through her occupation as a senior sales director for Mary Kay cosmetics. She enhances her clients' appearance with makeup of many hues, including pink.

However, one type of pink skin that concerns her is the manifestation that some people experience after a long period of unprotected exposure to the sun.

With skin care being a major part of her business, she is particularly attuned to how American soldiers stationed in Iraq are caring for their skin in a region where temperatures regularly top 100 degrees. That's why Leonard-Thompson, of Jackson, initiated Operation Sunscreen - Adopt a Marine. She is asking people to "help supply our American troops with sunscreen products to protect them just as they protect our freedom."

She is hoping that people will spread the word that for every donation of $36.35 they make to Operation Sunscreen, a U.S. Marine stationed in Iraq will receive two sets of each of the following: SPF-30 sunscreen, after-sun replenishing gel (for burns and dry skin) and lip protector that contains an SPF-15 sunscreen. One hundred percent of the donations will be used to purchase products for the troops.

"Mary Kay, the company, has always encouraged us to give from our hearts with no monetary gain for causes such as this," said Leonard-Thompson. "We call it a 'paycheck of the heart' - something we do because we want to help others."

Leonard-Thompson is especially passionate about this particular cause because her stepson, Lance Cpl. Timothy J. Thompson, is a Marine who has been stationed in Iraq since March.

In a recent e-mail correspondence to his stepmother, Thompson said to tell everyone that the Marines in his unit, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 "totally appreciate all the support and packages being sent from home. We definitely can use the sunscreens and other items especially since the temperature was 105 degrees today."

"With Tim in Iraq, my husband, Ray, and I are much more aware of what is going on over there," Leonard-Thompson said. "With temperatures ranging from 110 to 120 degrees, there are so many soldiers who could benefit from this. As a Mary Kay beauty consultant, we have the means to offer them items that can protect them from the sun. It's just a small way we can give back and say thank you for the great job they are doing serving our country.

"My Mary Kay unit has joined me in offering this to people and men and women serving our country," she said. "We hope to be able to send many, many sets to the men and women serving our country."

Anyone who would like to donate to Operation Sunscreen may call 732-928-7890 or e-mail Llthompson@marykay.com.

People who adopt a soldier are welcome to send a personal note along with their gift.

Leonard-Thompson has offered to give anyone who adopts a soldier a $20 Mary Kay gift card to use as they wish.

- Amy Rosen