Information Memo                                          

Subject: Information Assistance Memorandum – "Operation S-O-T"

Dear Volunteer:

    Thank you for "Supporting Our Troops" by volunteering to fill a "Troop Support Box". These boxes will be distributed to service members serving under harsh conditions and in harms-way. This effort was initiated by the Sarasota Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) but relies on community support to provide the depth necessary to make it successful. We have a website, www.supportourtroopsmoas.com, which provides all the information you, or you clubs, schools, etc. would need to send packages or financially support this program.

The "kit" you are provided consists of the following items:

1. This Information Assistance Memorandum.

2. A United States Postal Service APO/FPO Priority Mail "Flat Rate" Box, identified with the additional logo: "AmericaSupportsYou.mil" We recommend these free boxes because they are the cheapest way USPS will ship, irrespective of weight, at $13.45. 　

3. A list of Suggested Care Package Items to place in the box. Emphasis is on personal items and soldier support items. Keep a list and cost of items purchased for the Customs Form.

4. A Pre-printed address mailing label. (May not be included in all kits if other service member addresses are used)

5. A note introducing the Sarasota chapter of the Military Officers Association of America as the effort behind the box mailings. (Optional but encouraged.)

6. Customs Form (Form 2976A) with direction. If you have not been provided one you may pick it up at the Post Office when you mail the package.

    The address label is to a designated senior individual of the respective unit, and the Box will be distributed to soldiers in the unit. Please peel off and firmly attach it to the box in the lower right hand corner. If you have a friend or relative who is deployed and wish to send he/she a box, please use this kit and tailor the box(s) and address to the service member you have in mind. If you wish to send multiple boxes, the Post Office has them available (free).

    The Sarasota MOAA note we ask you to place in the box is a good place to add a personal note and your address and/or email. A personal note could be that you are proud of their performance; that your thoughts or prayers are with them, and wish them a speedy and safe return. Avoid any comment on the geo-political aspects of their effort; we remain apolitical, and are doing this because we support the individual service member, not dialoging about the pro’s and con’s of national policies.

    Once everything is included, seal the boxes with approved sealing tape, ensure your address label is firmly attached, add your return address, and complete the Customs Form (an example is on the back of the "Suggested Care Package Items" list. When using Form 2976A, you can summarize, e.g., Personal Hygiene items, snacks, books, etc. Check three boxes on the Customs Form: #5 Gift, #6 Airmail, and #10 Treat as Abandoned which will ensure that if the unit un-expectantly returns to the U.S. the package will be re-distributed to another unit. Take the box to the Post Office for Priority type mailing.

    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

POC: COL John O’Brien – US Army, Retired

7606 Broomsedge Ct.

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

obrienjc@aol.com