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Page 6 By Joanne Winer When Operation Hero Comfort www.DesertMessenger.com Operation Hero Comfort receives special thanks was started in 2006, the goal was to send packages full of items needed by the troop units who had been de- ployed into harm's way. Since it was fi rst started by Doc and Anita Carlson, thousands of packages have been sent to their "adopted" units, sometimes as many as 10 units (like now) and they get at least 4 boxes each month. For many years, Doc and Anita did it on their own, from their own pockets. Then they formed Operation Hero Comfort and asked for volunteers to help--for many years they did all the packaging and storing of the items on their little front porch at their trailer. For the past several years, they have been using warehouse space donated by Isaiah 58 Project, and this is where the packages are put together and sent from. It is a lot of work gathering all the donated items, sorting and packag- ing the boxes; some have special re- quests or needs, most just are happy to get whatever they are sent. They are most grateful for everything they receive. These are men and women who have given their lives to defend our freedoms, and to help others who are living through a war in the most horrid of circumstances. They are re- ally the heroes, and Operation Hero Comfort wants to be able to help them by showing them support and sending them items from back home. I met Doc and Anita when I spon- July 18, 2012 sored bringing the Vietnam Wall to Quartzsite, and after hearing what they were trying to do for the troops, I joined as a volunteer. It has been a wonderfully rewarding experience for me, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to help our brave men and women as much as possible. Another volunteer is Joe Winslow, who has been involved since before I even was, and being a veteran himself knows what this means to those who get the packages each month. Along with Anita, and sometimes her grand- children and daughters, and the oc- casional volunteer, this is Operation Hero Comfort, a small group but we feel it is very effective and hope to keep doing it until there are no American troops in harm's way. Anita Carlson, Joe Winslow and Joanne Winer hold flag that was sent from Charles Taylor Sunday Worship: 10am & 6pm Wednesday Service: 6pm Phone: 928-927-5035 375 E. Sunrise St. Quartzsite "Come join our Family where the Love of Jesus is preached" MENTION THIS AD to receive YOUR PURCHASE thru August 3, 2012 Black Hills Gold Jewelry, Moun� ngs, Gems, Minerals, Southwest & How-to Books SUMMER HOURS: Open Daily 8-4 Sun. 9-3 - CLOSED TUESDAYS CLOSED AUG 4 - 21 AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY & POTTERY BEADS•JEWELRY•FINDINGS Black Hills Gold Jewelry 1250 W. Main, Quartzsite (across from McDonald's) 928-927-6381, Fax 928-927-4814 Gem Stone Jewelry in awhile is a letter or package back from one of the units. In the past, we have received many certifi cates of ap- preciation, photos of the units, letters, and a few fl ags. Recently, we received a special package from one of these units, from Nimroz Province in Afghanistan. The letter came from Charles Taylor, who is now in the Afghan Uniform Po- lice Station, part of a police mentoring team. The letter thanked Anita and the rest of us for sending some spe- cial items he requested, and said how grateful they all were for our support and the packages. In appreciation, HMZ Taylor got an American fl ag and fl ew it on the fl agpole at their base, and dedicated it to all the fallen comrades and also to Operation Hero Comfort. HMZ Taylor then had all of his unit One of the blessings that we get once ation gift. He said in the letter that he hoped we would accept it with honor and pride--and we most certainly do. We have decided to frame the fl ag and display it at our annual fundraiser and other events along with the letters and photos, and other displays we put up. HMZ Taylor concluded the letter by saying "Bravo and keep up the good work of patriotism and support to the troops" We are all so touched and honored that the very people we are trying to give encouragement and support to have done something so special for us- -it makes what we do really meaning- ful and we are just happy to be doing anything we can to make their deploy- ment a little better for them. To donate items for the packages, or sign the fl ag on the white stripes and folded it and sent it to us as an appreci- to volunteer, please call Anita Carlson at 928-927-4292 or on her cell at 763- 639-9330. PUBLIC NOTICE: WHEN YOU REGISTER TO VOTE You are declaring yourself a resident of La Paz County and the State of Arizona. You are then subject to the laws of Arizona and will be required to: • Obtain an Arizona Driver's License (if you drive) • Register your vehicles in Arizona. • Pay appropriate state and local taxes. WARNING: Executing a false registration is a Class 6 Felony! Public notice from La Paz County Space donated by Desert Messenger