thedrifter
06-01-07, 06:26 AM
Lowell company bolsters troops with supplies
By Dennis Shaughnessey, dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com
Article Last Updated: 05/31/2007 01:17:04 PM EDT
LOWELL -- The face of a serviceman, holding a package of Oreo cookies, tells the story.
Stationed in Iraq, the U.S. Marines of the 5th ANGLICO (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) Division were thrilled to receive 25 cases of "feel-good items," courtesy of Thermo-Fisher Scientific of Lowell.
The company, which employs about 80 people, collected more than 500 pounds of food, toiletries, magazines, puzzles, playing cards and even dog food to be sent to the troops. Larry Zeltner, the company's director of operations, said the company is always looking for ways to get involved in community activities.
"When the idea came up to send these supplies to the troops, the momentum in the company just took off," Zeltner said. "We had 500 pounds in one week. It was a one-week challenge. It gave everybody a shot in the arm, and it made everybody feel good."
Postage was an issue and TFS kicked in $500. Foss Manufacturing in Hampton, N.H., donated another $500. The packages were brought to the U.S. Post Office three weeks ago, and the troops received the items six days later.
Capt. Gregory Battaglia of the 5th ANGLICO e-mailed a picture of the Marines as they opened the packages.
"When we saw the photo, it was priceless," Zeltner said. "It made it all worthwhile."
According to Zeltner, the troops have already gone through most of it.
"The Marines have been taking a lot of the candy that was sent and handing it out to the kids as they go out on patrol," he said.
The effort was not without its problems, however. Every package had to be carried into the post office to be examined and weighed. Each package required five bills of lading and custom forms. The TFS shipping department, including Richard Ouellette, Bill Townsend and Jose Ortiz, repackaged the boxes before they could be shipped out.
John Raftery, a technician at the company, was instrumental in organizing the drive. Raftery said the military is particular about what items could be sent.
"No aerosol cans. Nothing pressurized. No liquid. No objectionable material. The most risqué item that we sent was the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition," Raftery said with a giggle.
The company will be recognized for the support of the troops during a ceremony on June 8. State Rep. Colleen Garry and state Sen. Steven Panagiotakos will be on hand to present awards to the company for its civic involvement.
The company is planning another drive in November for arrival by Christmas.
Ellie
By Dennis Shaughnessey, dshaughnessey@lowellsun.com
Article Last Updated: 05/31/2007 01:17:04 PM EDT
LOWELL -- The face of a serviceman, holding a package of Oreo cookies, tells the story.
Stationed in Iraq, the U.S. Marines of the 5th ANGLICO (Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company) Division were thrilled to receive 25 cases of "feel-good items," courtesy of Thermo-Fisher Scientific of Lowell.
The company, which employs about 80 people, collected more than 500 pounds of food, toiletries, magazines, puzzles, playing cards and even dog food to be sent to the troops. Larry Zeltner, the company's director of operations, said the company is always looking for ways to get involved in community activities.
"When the idea came up to send these supplies to the troops, the momentum in the company just took off," Zeltner said. "We had 500 pounds in one week. It was a one-week challenge. It gave everybody a shot in the arm, and it made everybody feel good."
Postage was an issue and TFS kicked in $500. Foss Manufacturing in Hampton, N.H., donated another $500. The packages were brought to the U.S. Post Office three weeks ago, and the troops received the items six days later.
Capt. Gregory Battaglia of the 5th ANGLICO e-mailed a picture of the Marines as they opened the packages.
"When we saw the photo, it was priceless," Zeltner said. "It made it all worthwhile."
According to Zeltner, the troops have already gone through most of it.
"The Marines have been taking a lot of the candy that was sent and handing it out to the kids as they go out on patrol," he said.
The effort was not without its problems, however. Every package had to be carried into the post office to be examined and weighed. Each package required five bills of lading and custom forms. The TFS shipping department, including Richard Ouellette, Bill Townsend and Jose Ortiz, repackaged the boxes before they could be shipped out.
John Raftery, a technician at the company, was instrumental in organizing the drive. Raftery said the military is particular about what items could be sent.
"No aerosol cans. Nothing pressurized. No liquid. No objectionable material. The most risqué item that we sent was the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition," Raftery said with a giggle.
The company will be recognized for the support of the troops during a ceremony on June 8. State Rep. Colleen Garry and state Sen. Steven Panagiotakos will be on hand to present awards to the company for its civic involvement.
The company is planning another drive in November for arrival by Christmas.
Ellie