“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Perhaps one of the most famous American quotes of all time, President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration address implored Americans to give back to the country that has given them everything. Fifty-four years later, Americans, your country still needs you.
Massapequa-based Adopt-A-Battalion is one of the many ways in which citizens from all over Long Island and the country, can help take care of U.S. soldiers overseas. The organization, which began in 2004 and is a registered nonprofit 501c3 organization is completely and 100 percent volunteer based. Navy veteran Richard Olson is the president of Adopt-A-Battalion, and shared why it is so important to send a little piece of home overseas.
“These men and women are volunteers who have chosen to place their lives in harm’s way for the safety and betterment not only of our country and American citizens, but for the safety and well-being of our allies,” said Olson, who is semi-retired from the construction industry. He spent 21 years in the maritime industry as a tugboat captain and prior to that, served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1971. Olson also spent two years in Vietnam aboard the USS REEVES DLG24 engaged in search and rescue of Naval Air combat pilots.
Adopt-A-Battalion (AAB) was founded in 2004 by Jack Parker, past Grand Knight of Our Lady of the Island Knights of Columbus Council in Massapequa Park. His son, Major Timothy Parker, was stationed in Iraq during the time and told his father that many of the Marines in his battalion were not receiving mail or packages from home. So Jack stepped in to help.
“Jack presented this request to the members of his council and suggestions were made by the members on what to do to help,” said Olson, who joined AAB in 2012 as a volunteer. “During the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in Massapequa Park, flyers were passed out along with free hot chocolate, asking for help from residents. A list of needed items of men and women were included in the request with instructions on where to drop the items off.”
The response was overwhelming and heartwarming. Everyone from local residents, students, schools, Girl and Boy Scout troops and church organizations came to lend a helping hand.
“AAB ships care packages to our military personnel currently serving in Afghanistan, and also during the years our troops were deployed to Iraq,” said Olson of the packages, which contain donated personal items such as baby wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toiletries, sunscreen and snacks such as granola bars, beef jerky and coffee singles. “Books, recent magazines and stationary items also go into the packages, as well as cards and letters from school children and citizens thanking our troops for their service and sacrifice.”
Fortunately, there aren’t any leftovers. According to Olson, any donated goods that cannot be shipped overseas are donated to the local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital.
“There are many organizations across the country that are doing the same things we are,” said Olson, naming the Blue Star Mothers and Boots on the Ground as local affiliations that AAB supports. “Everyone is welcome to help us sort, pack and ship the goods we receive. All that we ask is advanced notice that you or your organization wish to help us so that we have enough snacks on hand for you,” continued Olson, who added that community credit hours are available for those who need them.
As president, Olson oversees the day-to-day operation of AAB and its major fundraising events, including the annual fundraiser dinner. He personally sees to the delivery of all care packages to the local post office each week. Parker’s other son, Brian, is the vice president and is in charge of merchandising and procuring items that show the AAB logo; an eagle carrying two packages and the motto “Support Our Troops.”
“The sale of hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts and other AAB items we sell helps defray the cost of shipping our care packages to our troops,” said Olson, noting that the amount shipped last year was close to 800 units, with a cost reaching close to $17,000. “Our soldiers are engaged in the deadly conflict of fighting a war on global terrorism against an enemy that has no value on human life. They deserve every consideration and help we can give them.”
AAB concentrates on troops serving in combat areas and specifically those in the deserts, mountains and villages. The organization also supports returning soldiers and veterans that undergo treatment. Now more than ever, all Americans must answer their call of duty.
“Our goal is simple: as long as there are men and women serving our country, putting their lives on the line for us and in all too many cases giving their lives for us and for their comrades, we want to be there to support our troops,” said Olson.
To learn more about Adopt-A-Battalion and to read letters of gratitude from the soldiers, visit www.adoptabattalion.org. For more photos, click here.
Adopt-A-Battalion is open every Saturday between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. It is located at 2 East Gate Rd., Massapequa Park in the Our Lady of the Island K of C Council Hall directly behind Big Daddy’s restaurant.
