Politics & Government
Healdsburg SOS Ships Christmas Socks
The more than 600 Christmas stockings shipping tomorrow will reach Afghanistan before the holidays to deliver a touch of home to U.S. troops
Monday afternoon, more than 60 volunteers gathered at Costeaux French Bakery to stuff and ship more than 600 Christmas stocking bound for U.S. troops serving in the furthest reaches of Afghanistan.
Under the unflappable supervision of Healdsburg Supporting Our Soldiers founder, , boxes stacked up rapidly.
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Each packed box held stuffed “stockings.” Those stockings were a pair of socks stuffed full of comforts from home. Each sock held its mate in the toe, along with bags of trail mix and granola, plus a hat, toothpaste, razors and a space blanket, some of them even held Hot Wheels cars.
Each filled stocking was fastened by ribbons that tied a Christmas popper to the outside. And every stocking was accompanied by a card from home.
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Members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Redwood Empire Chapter 223 came out en force to take part in the event.
“We’re behind Mary all the way,” said Vietnam veteran Charles Earthman, former army Paratrooper and Ranger. Earthman was in charge of packing the stockings into boxes, six or seven per box.
“We donated 200 blankets,” Earthman continued.
In addition to the dozen Vietnam veterans, there were World War II and Korean War veterans, as well.
“We would have loved to have gotten these,” said Ted Seavy, WWII vet who served in the Pacific theatre on a troop transporter or APA.
“I served two years in the Navy, first,” he said. “Then the Army.
“I finished off supporting troops in Okinawa,” Seavy concluded.
Korea War veteran Bud Simmons was part of the Far East Airforce during that “police action.”
The Vietnam-era vets were busy at each station set up for production line efficiency.
“My business helped donate the 200 blankets,” said Jim Saad, also a member of VVA Chapter 223. His business, Lightening Force Collectibles, offers military surplus, collectibles and cutlery.
“We support Healdsburg SOS,” said Matt Kamanu. “We’re behind Mary all the way.” Kamanu is a product sales volunteer with VVA Chapter 223.
All the volunteers seemed to be cheerful and happy to be able to help.
, co-owner of Bosworth’s General Store in Geyserville, has been helping send packages with St. Clair for seven years.
“Why do I help?” said Bosworth in reply to the question. “It makes me feel good.”
“She [St. Clair] does such a good job,” said Seavy’s wife, Dottie, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Theodore Roosevelt Post 21 in Santa Rosa.
“This is something,” said Saad. “Nobody ever did this for us in Vietnam.
“I decided to do it.”
After two full-charge hours of packing, things started to wind down as the boxes, complete with the paperwork, were sealed and stacked in the back of a pick-up truck for shipping tomorrow.
“We’ve already shipped 1800 pounds,” said St. Clair, a smile of satisfaction wreathing her face. “These’ll make it in time for Christmas.”
The next big shipment will take place in late January or early February in time for Valentine’s Day surprises for the troops.
Author's note: To see thank you notes from the troops for packages already sent click this link.
