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Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary School supports 106 Rescue Wing deployers

  • Published
  • By Master Sergeant Cambridge
  • 106th Rescue Wing
Last year Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary school students sent care packages to deployed members of the 106th Rescue Wing. On March 20th 2014, members from the ANG that were directly impacted by those care packages visited the school to show their appreciation.

"It's an honor to give thanks back to a community that sent over care packages while we were deployed, especially during the holiday season," Lt Col Robert Siebelts, Maintenance Commander and direct recipient of care packages. "They made our time overseas a little bit easier and gave us a part of home."

The elementary students sent over 100 care packages to deployed members. Those packages were not only shared with Airmen but with fellow Marines and British soldiers as well. "Our British counter parts were not getting any mail at the time as their airlift was diverted. They didn't even get Christmas presents and for us to share our care packages made a real difference" Lt Col Siebelts explained.

Rocco Carriero, CEO of Rocco A. Carriero & Associates, spearheaded the care package project with the students and the 106 RQW Airman and Family Readiness Office. "I drive by the base every day and I always wonder what's happening behind the fence?" Mr. Carriero stated. Carriero got in contact with the Family Readiness Office and helped forge a partnership with 106 RQW and the elementary school. Carriero's daughter actually attends Remsenburg-Speonk. "I wanted Ella, her friends and her classmates to know the importance of supporting the troops."

After a slideshow presentation from Lt Col Siebelts and a demonstration of Pararescue equipment from Major Edward Boughal, also a care package recipient, a new project to serve the 106 RQW community was initiated. Attendees and students began assembly of numerous back to school supply packages. These packages will be given out to 106 RQW children in preparation for the 2014 fall school session.