For Release
Feb. 15, 2005

 Cadets spearhead second care package project
for troops in Middle East          

           Building on the success of their 2003 Christmas care package drive, Citadel cadets are once again at work trying to make holidays brighter for troops stationed in the Middle East.                     

           This week cadets began a drive to collect money and donations for Easter care packages for the troops. Care packages will be stuffed with things the USO and Blue Star Mothers and Families Tri-County Chapter has told cadets the troops like most: trail mix, batteries, compact discs, candy, gum, DVDs, prepaid phone cards, playing cards, books and more. The care packages will also be filled with cards and letters of support.

           In 2003, the South Carolina Corps of Cadets adopted the Army's 151st Signals Battalion and the sailors and Marines aboard the USS Enterprise. For Christmas, about 250 service men and women in each unit received individual are packages and several unit wide care packages were delivered.

           "We were encouraged by the success of the 2003 campaign and this year we are going to try to expand on that success by going into the community," said Cadet Chad Buckel, who is heading up the care package effort. "At
Christmas a lot of people are remembering the troops, so Easter is a good time for us to do something a little special for them. We want them to know people are thinking about them."          

           With the help of other organizations, the cadets are also soliciting support from the 3,000 Citadel alumni who live in the Charleston area, local businesses and fellow cadets.

           Donation of care package items can be dropped off in room 211 in Mark Clark Hall. To donate money, make checks payable to The Citadel Care Package Fund and drop them off in the treasurer's office in Bond Hall on The Citadel campus. For additional information, call 953-4875.

-end-