LAKEPORT – Sergeant First Class Chuck Cossette hit the road at 4:30 a.m. and drove over 12 straight hours to ensure his surprise arrival at the Operation Tango Mike packing party on March 17.

The soldier, assigned to Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD), has served three deployments and will leave for his fourth in a few weeks.

His mother, Suzi DeFrancisci, was in on the secret and shared in the tears when the soldier caught Ginny Craven and many others by surprise.

Cossette, a former Operation Tango Mike care package recipient, shared with everyone how important the care packages and support from home are to those serving far from home.

Those who attended the open house enjoyed pizza and watched a video that chronicled the early years of Operation Tango Mike.

A beautiful cake was presented to Operation Tango Mike as a gift from the United Veterans Council of Lake County.

The packing party was a great success, being well-attended and preparing 90 care packages for deployed troops.