Care packages for U.S. military members assembled by volunteers young and older
It was about 4 p.m., and Faith Lutheran Church offices were about to close. Usually, no one other than telemarketers calls after 3:30 p.m., but something made the Rev. Donald Treglown pick up the phone that day.
Two Marines deep in the mountains of Afghanistan were calling. Their reason —a mass shooting in the U.S. had once again spread fear and anxiety throughout the country and beyond.
"They said, 'We’re calling to let you know that we received your packages, and we are praying for you. We’re concerned, we hope you’re OK,' " Treglown said. "And I thought, 'Here’s a guy in the middle of the mountains in Afghanistan, and he is praying and thinking about me.' ”
Packages with hand-picked snacks, toiletries and phone cards — a seemingly simple kindness — were able to connect those who serve with their communities back home.
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That's why Naples Spirit of '45 hosts packing events four times a year, like the one it had Saturday at Faith Lutheran Church, 4150 Goodlette-Frank Road N., Naples.
“I’ve seen the impact on the morale of the troops who receive these items that we send,” Treglown said. “It just shows the patriotism of those involved — the wide variety of generations. I mean you’re going to see an 8-year-old working next to an 88-year-old in there. That’s the benefit: connecting people.”
Since Treglown took over the Faith in Action packing events in 2003, the community has delivered 79 tons of care items to U.S. troops in countries such as Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Korea, Pakistan, Germany, Russia, Djibouti, Nigeria, Somalia and Kyrgyzstan. They also have supplied items to four aircraft carriers, five ships, U.S. posts and bases, the Coast Guard and vet centers.
And when they have extra supplies or supplies that don't meet specific criteria, they send goods to abuse shelters, veterans hospitals and pregnancy centers.
“We want to do everything we can to give back. We feel like we’ve been blessed to be here today,” said Mike Nurmikko, a former Marine, volunteer and member of Faith Lutheran.
Faith in Action was started by Homer Helter in 2001. Helter owned the recently closed Homer Helter's Antique and Military Mall at Pine Ridge Road and Shirley Street in North Naples and was known for his devotion to veterans in the area.
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“Oh, we were best friends. I did his funeral. He was a great man of the community, a loyal veteran,” Treglown said of Helter, who died in 2016.
About 50 people attended Saturday's packing event. Free doughnuts, juice and hot coffee were served to keep the packing line moving swiftly and efficiently. Many of the volunteers were veterans, proudly wearing Marine Corps collared shirts and "Vietnam Vet" hats.
Michael Knutson, one of the volunteers, served 11½ years in the Marine Corps and 10 years in the Reserves. He talked about what being a veteran means to him:
“I am here for one reason: It’s called love. Veterans, they say, fight for mother and apple pie. Veterans don’t fight for mother and apple pie or country. They serve with each other. They serve with the man on their right, the woman on their left, the veteran on their right, and they are willing to give up their lives for that purpose — that’s ultimate love.
"These are my brothers, these are my sisters, and I love them.”