Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon, Inc.

29th Brigade Combat Team:

Now things were getting interesting for AaSP. When MSG T.'s unit left Iraq, we were given the name of 1SG Yale A. of the 29th BCT, a unit of the Hawaiian Army National Guard. We immediately adopted 1SG A. Then in the course of our emails, we asked him if his unit had any contact with an operation called, "Operation Crayon," a program designed to get school supplies and support to Iraqi children. 1SG Alama gave us the name of then CPT Hallah N., the Public Affairs officer for the unit. We sent CPT N. all kinds of things for the children including school supplies and snacks.

Then one day in August 2005, we received an email from CPT N. that their MWR (Morale Welfare Recreation) tent was completely destroyed in an electrical fire. They lost their chapel, exercise room, entertainment area, library... a huge loss. We at AaSP decided to do something about it. This PowerPoint will tell you the complete story. It was very interesting, fun, exciting and rewarding. In the end we developed relationships with Congressman Rothman, DHL, Bridgestone/Firestone and eventually the 32d Signal Battalion that will live in our hearts forever and have provided much intrinsic reward.

CPT N. is now a Major and she is back in Hawaii. We are grateful to her and her comrades for their service to our country but, more importantly, for the fantastic voyage she help launch for us.