Hopefully, most of us enjoyed a comfortable dinner with family or friends last week during Thanksgiving, sharing those holiday treats and eats. We traveled far or stayed home to visit with loved ones, enjoy each other or have lively political conversations. Some ended well, others maybe not but we were all together. However across the world, many soldiers were craving those simple pleasures. Yes, there is a certain amount of comradely in the military but those comforts of home are sorely missed. This is where Operation Tango Mike comes in for our troops. We often see the containers with this logo in Lake County shops, dropping spare change in them; knowing it is for our men and women serving our country overseas. North Shore Business Association was lucky to have Ginny Craven, head of the organization as a speaker in November. She shared this wonderful program, started for a friend who had been called to duty in the Middle East.
It was simple enough, sending him a care package filled with treats, foot powder, and other necessities; we often take for granted. A comrade noticed the package and mentioned he would like to receive something, anything. Now, it has become a full blown program with monthly packing parties at Umpqua bank, barrels in local shops, and letter writing campaigns. As members sat and listened to Ms. Craven's stories, they could see how many cannot say no to helping her organization. She was so grateful when she picked up, a batch of items collected at a recent NSBA social at Lake County Wine Studio. NSBA will have a barrel at the Tree Lighting Parade in Upper Lake on Saturday, Dec. 3. Please come by our booth and drop something off to brighten up a soldier's day. If you miss us, you can always bring something to Judy's Junction or other places around the lake. Items must be sealed to be sent to our troops in priority boxes.
From L-R; Deb Clarke President NSBA, Ginny Craven Operation Tango Mike and NSBA member Joanne Breton owner of Judy's Junction Upper Lake