Snacks are packed for the troops. Photos by Woody Hughes, USN (Retired).

LAKEPORT – Operation Tango Mike volunteers showed up in a force – 32 strong – for the most recent packing party. Sixty care packages were assembled and packaged for shipment to U.S troops serving in Iraq.

The event took place at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport, the new “headquarters” for Operation Tango Mike.

A generous donation of space for storage and for packing parties has made life much easier for the group. Donations are now sorted and stored at the bank and care packages are assembled there as well. Since 2003, goods had been stored in the home and garage of this author and transported to separate locations for packing parties.

Round Table Pizza and Umpqua Bank also generously provided pizza and beverages for the dedicated volunteers. Families of deployed troops, Lake County Sheriff’s Office volunteers, Vietnam Veterans of America members and many wonderful Lake County citizens volunteered their time for the labor of love.

The next packing party will take place near the end of September. Operation Tango Mike strives to give the troops a “touch of home” and in that regard will send Halloween themed boxes at the next shipping. Anyone wishing to volunteer, to contribute goods or monetary donations is welcome to do so.

“Drop Zone” donation barrels can be found at the following locations:

• Kelseyville: Riviera Foods, 9730 Soda Bay Road; Riviera Hills Golf and Recreation Club, 10200 Fairway Drive.

• Middletown: Hardester’s Markets; Highway 29 in Middletown, Hidden Valley at 29843 Hartman Road and 16295 Highway 175, Cobb.

• Clearlake: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2237, 3980 Veterans Lane; American Legion Post No. 437, 14770 Austin Road; Foods, Etc. at 15290 Lakeshore Drive.

• Clearlake Oaks: Red and White Store, 12580 East Highway 20; Tower Mart 12583 East Highway 20.

• Lucerne: Lakeview Market, 6068 East Highway 20.

• Nice: Sentry Market, 2265 East Highway 20; Boathouse Bar & BBQ, 2685 Lakeshore Blvd.

• Upper Lake: Country Carpets, 9465 Main St.; Judy’s Junction, 375 East Highway 20.

• Lakeport: Mackey Tires & Spas, 2102 S. Main St.; The Inks Spot, 95 Third St.; Kerrie’s Quilting, 1853 N. High St.; The Iron Worker Gym, 325 20th St.; Safeway, 1071 11^th St.; Bruno’s Shop Smart, 355 Lakeport Bldv; and Umpqua Bank, 805 11^th St.

Monetary donations are always a tremendous help in covering the monthly shipping costs, which average $550.

Donations can be in the form of checks made payable to Operation Tango Mike, are tax-deductible and may be sent to P.O. Box 1313, Lakeport, CA 95453.

If you wish to make a cash donation or desire further information, please contact Ginny Craven at 707-349-2838 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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World War II veteran Harry Graves and Mary Bosserman, retired highway patrol officer and mom of an airman, took part in the recent packing party. Photos by Woody Hughes, USN (Retired).

Young volunteers help Operation Tango Mike. Photos by Woody Hughes, USN (Retired).