A Note from Gail VanVranken "Boatsie":
Boatsie’s Boxes began, in June of 2004, when my son, Patrick, currently a CMSgt in the United States Air Force, forwarded an urgent personal request, from the Deputy Director of Programs in Baghdad, asking for our help.
Central Command Air Forces announced that by September 20th, 2004 Air force medics will take control of the base hospital in Balad, formerly run by the Army, and known as the 31st Combat Support Hospital. Patrick was a part of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, when they were deployed in Balad, (Balad is 40 miles north of Baghdad in the Suni Triangle) While deployed, he made connections with the hospital and was “Our eyes on the ground”, he and his buddies helped set up points of contact all over the counrty...and the rest is history!!
Our boxes now, in 2018 are going to several hospitals, groups of young troops (deployed for the first time) and thanks to our very dedicated United States Airmen, Marines, Soldiers & Sailors, who are spreading the word, needed items are now reaching the Forward Lines of operation all over Afghanistan, Iraq, UAE, Persian Gulf locations, Okinawa, Estonia as well as Kuwait , Poland, Africa and Korea, ships at sea and other undisclosed locations.
Our brave men and women of the United States military deserve nothing less than our full support. Please join us and together we can make a difference!!
Warmest Regards,
Boatsie
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