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Soldiers hope they’re not forgotten

Date: 11/7/2011

Nov. 7, 2011

By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent

CHICOPEE — U.S. Marine Corps Ssgt. Travis S. Bailey is hoping that his fellow soldiers are not forgotten during the holiday season, and is reaching out to residents in Western Massachusetts to consider sending a card, letter or become a pen pal, according to his mother, Karen O’Connor of Britton Street.

Bailey, currently serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, has already served two tours of duty in Iraq since he joined the Marines in 2003. He is a 2003 graduate of South Hadley High School, is married and has a daughter, Madison, 2.

Bailey’s current role includes protecting the combat logistics teams in Helmand Province while overseeing 32 Marines and the upkeep of six armored vehicles.

During an interview with Reminder Publications, O’Connor noted her daughter-in-law Meagan said Bailey is “so proud of his men” and because many of his fellow Marines do not have family to support them, he was hoping area residents might consider sending a letter or postcard in time for the holiday season.

“Postcards, letters and pen pals are always at the top of their list,” O’Connor said.

When O’Connor was asked if Bailey had a “wish list” in addition to letters and postcards, the input was instantaneous. For starters, basics like socks (green, brown or black), fly strips, ear plugs, playing cards and AA batteries are needed.

Also, small and simple holiday decorations, sole inserts for boots, black or brown electrical tape or duct tape, and personal hygiene products are always welcome. Lastly, Under Armor products, flashlights with red lenses, magazines, Tylenol and Aleve round out the list of items needed most.

Patty’s 4-10 on Quincy Avenue, where O’Connor is employed, is one of the sites where items for the soldiers can be dropped off. All items collected are shipped monthly to Bailey’s unit through the local nonprofit Care For Our Troops that puts together and sends care packages to soldiers.

“Care For Our Troops is a blessing for us,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor also noted that the third grade class at Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke has collected items for the troops, and students in Chesterfield have “adopted” a soldier to exchange letters. American Legion Post 452 has also been an active participant in collecting items to date for Bailey’s unit, as well as parishioners of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Holyoke.

As the holiday season begins, O’Connor is also committed to helping the local Marines Toys for Tots program. Patty’s 4-10 will host a kickoff celebration Nov. 12 from 12 to 7 p.m. and area residents are welcome to stop in and bring an unwrapped toy for the cause. Refreshments will be served, courtesy of Patty’s 4-10.

O’Connor also thanked the woodworking group at Pratt & Whitney who are raising funds at press time so that she can purchase last-minute gifts for the soldiers.

“All of these connections keep me going,” said O’Connor, who said she recites the Marine Corps Prayer every day. “I thank everyone who wants to take care of our troops.”

Those who'd like to send letters to the unit may do so by mailing them to Ssgt. Bailey, Travis S., CLB-1C Co., Unit 42383, FPO AT 96427-2383.

For more information, contact O’Connor at 532-8953.



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