08-16-2004 It all began with an email message to fraternity brothers.

Dan Kehoe, VCG Regional Sales Manager was one of the recipients of the message going out to his fraternity alumni of West Georgia College. One of their alumni, Dale Alford, now a Lt. Colonel with the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines serving in the still tense Afghanistan theater, had a request. Some morale boosting mail and other small comforts from home would sure be appreciated by his troops.

Having served himself as part of the Multi-National Peace Keeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon in 1982-83, Dan was quick to volunteer to do what he could, but thought that others at VCG might be interested as well. In a grass-roots campaign, Dan asked the 50-plus employees of VCG if they would like to contribute to the package he planned to send to Colonel Alford at the front.

The response was immediate. In just a short period of time VCG employees had donated nearly 120 pounds of "goodies" for the troops. Employee donations tailored to the needs of the Marines on the ground included everything from cigars and playing cards to books and personal hygiene items. As they were brought in VCG employees sorted, packed and finally shipped five large boxes.

"The Marines appreciate your support"
Said Colonel Alford by email to Dan. "My battalion is doing a great job over here and you can be proud of the job your Marines are doing in this theater.

We are winning this war in Afghanistan and terrorists will never use this country to launch attacks against us again. I know the news does not report much about Afghanistan but we are reducing threats everyday. This theater is still a dangerous place, but these young men are dedicated to the freedom of our country.

One of my Captains took all the schools supplies and candy that came in the last box and passed the stuff out in a school we opened. Yes, we are not only eliminating threats, we are building schools, clinics and water wells for these people as well. Tell everyone at VCG thanks for the support."

VCG is proud to offer this support to our service men and women as they take on the hard task of making the world safer for all of us. We urge you, too, to consider corporately or individually supporting those who also serve our country by sending them "goodies from home"!

Even if you don't know someone your company could send some support to, here are some non-profit places you can make donations to and/or support our service men and women through:

• USO Cares
• Defend America

Thanks to all of those who serve, from all of us!