LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Now is that bustling time of the year when we all get busy. We have plans for holiday parties, connecting with friends and spending time with family.

For our troops deployed to combat zones in faraway places, those things exist only in their dreams. But, we can make our best effort to bring them some cheer in the form of a care package from home.

Operation Tango Mike continues to hold monthly packing parties and prepare dozens of care packages for Lake and Mendocino County troops.

Often, those recipients respond via letters or e-mail messages. Along with expressing their gratitude, they mention how good it makes them feel to know someone is thinking of them and that they are appreciated.

Crystal Harris, a Navy Medic, wrote:

“I am writing to thank you for the thoughtful packages Operation Tango Mike has sent.

“The candy, game/puzzle books and hats are very much appreciated.

“The US Role 2 is a multi-national trauma center. We are kept pretty busy and whatever small comforts we can get help greatly with morale.

“Again, thank you very much for your support.”

Being away from home and loved ones, in a combat zone, is difficult under the best of circumstances. However, it seems it must be compounded when the holidays come and soldiers can only reminisce about the past and yearn for the future.

Thoughts of our troops far from home brings to mind the saying, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift, and that’s why it is called the present.”

So, in Lake County, we make the best of the gift of today and prepare care packages to serve as support and reminders of our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our troops and their families.

Recently, a young Marine’s wife asked if her husband and his buddies could be added to the list for care packages, sending along four names.

She added that one Marine buddy was married and his wife was enduring a complicated pregnancy, with hospitalizations keeping her from being able to buy and ship care package items.

She closed her message saying that if only one of the names could be accepted, please ship to the Marine with a pregnant wife as he needed the support the most and the others would understand.

It was another humbling example of the sacrifice our troops and their families are willing to make.

Sometimes, we learn of the impact of support long after the care package recipient has returned home.

Andrew Hurd is a 2005 Middletown High School graduate, a member of the US Air Force, and 2010 care package recipient. Hurd recently requested care packages for a deployed friend.

Hurd sent a message to one of his former teachers, Susan Parker. Parker and the Middletown Interact Club are active supporters of Operation Tango Mike.

Hurd wrote, “Hey Ms. Parker, I just wanted to let ya know how much I appreciate you and Operation Tango Mike for sending my roommate that care package. She had just gotten done flying a record 24-hour long mission (which I didn’t think was possible for our aircraft) and landed to find that Christmas package waiting for her. The cards just like they did to me a year ago brought tears to her eyes and she was grateful to know that there are people back home in the states that keep her in their thoughts even though she has never met them. She asked why I requested to get her name sent to OTM, and I had to explain my story that one of those cards changed my attitude towards the deployment and my service as a whole. Heck, to be honest, it may well changed my life because I had no intentions on staying in the full 20 yrs until I received that card.”

Anyone wishing to help in the effort to support the troops is welcome. Packing parties are held the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport.

Donated items are always welcome and may be deposited in any drop zone barrel at locations throughout Lake County, including Umpqua Bank.

Donations to assist with monthly shipping fees may be sent to Operation Tango Mike, 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451 or to Umpqua Bank.

Please call 707-349-2838 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information or to add a loved one to the care package recipient list.