Letter from BG (Ret) James Hesson,
Support Our Troops" Coordinator
November 2006
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Sarasota Chapter has been sponsoring an effort to provide packages for our troops deployed to Iraq. Churches, civic associations, and businesses have joined us in this effort. Mail is important to our troops and these packages are appreciated. I quote from a message of a Company Commander of a unit previously deployed in Baghdad:
“E CO, 1-64 Armor Battalion truly appreciates all of the support you and your organization provide not only to us but all of the soldiers deployed in the support of freedom. Your efforts are a great reminder of one of the reasons we are here and a constant reminder to which we all wish to return. The support you have provided has made a lasting impact which is in turn has inspired our Soldiers to provide all that they can to the people in the communities we are responsible to protect and support.”
Supporting our troops by provided packages is not a political statement about the ongoing combat in Iraq but an act of human compassion to let our service members know we support them, have them in our thoughts and prayers, and wish for their safe return.
All the information you need to send a package is included in this web site.
Individuals who desire to make a financial contribution to the Support Our Troops Program should make their checks payable to the Sarasota Military Officers Scholarship Fund, Inc. (SMOSF), an IRS 501(c)(3) charity, which serves as the outreach arm of the MOAS. While any donations are appreciated, it is estimated that $50.00 will be the upper limit on preparing and shipping a box and as such is a good multiple for donation purposes. Please indicate on the Memo line that the contribution is for the Support Our Troops Program. Your contributions will be used exclusively for the SOT program. The SMOSF's Federal Tax Identification Number is 65-0883860 and the SMOSF is registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Registration Number CH19841. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE
Send checks for our “Operation S-O-T to the following address:
MOAS – Operation S-O-T
BG James M Hesson – US Army, Retired
4612 Chase Oaks Drive
Sarasota, FL 34241
(941) 926-8702
Thank you!