Tiogue Students Send Army National Guard Care Packages

On Friday afternoon, the third and fourth grade classes at Tiogue Elementary School were joined by five very thankful Army National Guard troops from the 169th Military Police Company. The troops stopped by the school to pick up care packages created by students for members of the unit currently stationed in Afghanistan. The school has a special connection with this unit, as several parents of Tiogue students are members of it. 

The third grade, led by teachers Tara D'Aleno, Ann Benzo and John Coen, filled Dunkin Donuts cups (donated by the 111 Hopkins Hill Rd. location), with hand-written letters from students and portable drink mixes like cider and hot chocolate. Various K-cup and bagged Dunkin Donuts coffees were also included to give the troops a little taste of home while they serve overseas.

Fourth grade teachers Kristin Pires, Lisa DelBove and Cheryl Canfield-Ross helped their students organize care packages for the troops that included energy/breakfast bars, flavored water packs, beef jerky, trail mix, nuts, gum and Twizzlers, along with staples like ChapStick, Icy Hot patches, pocket-size Kleenex packages and hand/foot warmers. 

Candice Asselin, the parent of two Tiogue students and wife of a unit member, coordinated the efforts between the school and Army National Guard.

During their visit, the troops not only picked up the care packages, but gave students a brief look into what it's like to be deployed. Students learned all about MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), the different kinds of uniforms that troops wear and the meaning behind some of the patches and insignia on the uniforms.

Master Sgt. Daniel Thibeault, Staff Sgt. Dan Couture, Staff Sgt. Joseph Bouchard, Staff Sgt. Dennis Parent and Specialist Kelly Cardenas answered many questions from the curious group of students while handing out lots of National Guard prizes before taking the care packages with them to be sent to active troops.

"Thank you for the care packages and the letters you've been writing," said Staff Sgt. Couture. "When I was in Afghanistan, it was nice to have something from home."

"Thanks so much for making the care packages and keeping the guys happy out there," said Staff Sgt. Bouchard. "It really means a lot."

Tiogue students began collecting items on Jan. 8 and will continue to until Feb. 1, after which a final care package will be sent to active troops in the 169th Military Police Company.