By MIKE FLETCHER
While stationed in Kuwait in 1990 during Desert Shield, Cindy Hurt received numerous letters and care packages from back home — some from people she didn’t even know.
Those letters are what kept her going during the Gulf War.
“I know what I went through when I left my 16-month-old twins in September of 1990,” she said. “I pulled out some of my old letters the other day — the tears started flowing. I had letters from two or three dozen people. It was great.”
She remained in the Middle East until April 1991.
Now a part of Hoosiers Helping Heroes, Hurt and a group of Chrysler employees are planning Operation Holiday Cheer. The group is dedicated to collecting stockings, fleece blankets and other holiday reminders to send to troops overseas.
“I know what it’s like,” Hurt said of being away from family during the holidays. “I come from a family of veterans and my son is in the Air Force getting ready to be deployed to Kuwait in February.”
The group is collecting items for the care package from now until Nov. 29. People can donate items at either the Veterans of Foreign Wars Local 1152, 920 N. Washington St., or at the American Legion Post 6 on South LaFountain Street.
The group will also have a drive on Nov. 14 at the VFW to collect items for the care package.
“It’s important we take care of these guys,” said Hurt. “Everybody has a calling. It took me not quite 38 years to find my calling. It’s fulfilling.”
The group has already sent more than 750 care packages to help soldiers, she said.
“It gives us a lot of joy to be able to help them. I’ve met so many different veterans from different wars, old and new, and it’s amazing how much it helps them give something back.
“We want to thank Mr. Todd Bennett and his students at Taylor High School [for] donating four or five boxes full of stuff.”
“It’s all about what we can do to help veterans,” she added. “America needs to wake up and realize what these men and woman are sacrificing.”
Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com.
You can help:
For more information about Hoosiers Helping Heroes and the Christmas care packages, call Cindy Hurt at (765) 480-3477.
