Read more: Local, Community, Military, News, Ida Haag, Adopt A Platoon, Rolando Saucedo, Soldiers, Soldiers Serving Overseas, Care Packages, Candy, Treats, Comfort Items, Rio Hondo, Cameron County, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
They fight for our freedom.
On a daily basis, the men and women of the armed forces are stationed in remote locations all around the world.
One Rio Grande Valley organization works seven days a week to send them a little piece of home.
If a picture can speak a thousand words, a photo of soldiers helping their "battle buddies" after a fiery enemy attack says it all.
Sending love to a warzone, Ida Haag started shipping care packages to her son back in 1997 with the rest of his platoon taking notice.
"He would write me letters home," Haag said. "That was before the days of email communication. He would say mom there are 40 soldiers in my platoon and there are nine soldiers who don't have moms like you who everyday at mail call nothing comes for them."
And that's how "Adopt a Platoon" got its start.
"I know it boosts their moral. I know it makes them feel good," said AAP volunteer Roberto Villarreal.
With headquarters in San Benito and a distribution center in Rio Hondo, Haag and her volunteers run a nationwide program sending "quality of life" packages to the troops.
It's the little things, like comfort foods.
"It's smelling the Rice Krispies Treats! Its a taste of home," said Haag.
Sunscreen, new socks and baby wipes bringing comfort to those fighting in some of the world's most dangerous war zones.
In July, the organization is supplying 85,000 troops in Afghanistan, sending about 300 boxes a day.
"Helps me sleep better at night, knowing that I’m doing everything I can to help out our troops," said volunteer Rolando Saucedo. "They just can't believe that they're getting a box from the RGV," said Haag.
Last Halloween, Adopt a Platoon sent over 63,00 care packages to Iraq and Afghanistan.
On Monday, they were already gearing up for this Halloween.
"We haven't forgotten them and we will continue to have their backs," said Haag.
Adopt a Platoon even sends coffee pots to the troops and stuffed animals which soldiers give to children in the war-torn countries they serve in.
The organization depends on donations to operate.
If you'd like to make a difference by donating go to www.adoptaplatoon.org.
