With American servicemen and women in at least nine countries across the world, the Oakland County Bar Association Veterans Committee is not about to slow down its support for the troops.
“This is our “7th year” according to Chair James P. Cunningham, a veteran himself.
Since 2007, ATOT (Americans Thank Our Troops) (an IRC 501(c)(3) charitable organization), has raised in cash donations, goods including prepaid phone cards and the like, well over $400,000, used to create care packages for deployed troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Cuba, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Okinawa, and Germany. In almost every instance, Michigan units or Michigan active duty personnel are identified.
“This amounts to over 1,800 boxes weighing 33 tons with shipping costs in excess of $65,000, also covered by an anonymous donor” according to Elias Escobedo, former chair and Vietnam vet.
As well as the committee, “countless individuals, including Ford Motor Company, Corrigan Moving and the Oakland County Road Commission, have volunteered time and valuable resources,” says Michael Schloff, the founder and principle architect of the charity which was formerly named “Operation Iraq-Pac.”
Last year alone, more than $41,000 was raised which turned into 166 boxes weighing 2½ tons. 15 military units were supported.
The committee’s efforts culminate with a packing event held in March at a Ford Motor Company donated warehouse where dozens are “deployed” for the packing of the goods. Cash donations are used to purchase much needed food and personal care/comfort items through the assistance of the Selfridge National Air Guard Base PX and Exchange store.
The OCBA Veterans Committee boasts over 40 members. “You don’t have to be a veteran to join our committee” says Cunningham, but be prepared for the usual intra-service ribbing.
“He’s doing a pretty good job that is for a Navy man” said smiling Schloff and Escobedo, both Marines.
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