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| By Katelyn Gendron-List Reminder Assistant Editor AGAWAM While some people might not know what they can do for the men and women serving in the armed forces overseas, Richard Girard, director of the Western Hampden District Department of Veterans' Services, is working on several ways that local residents can help. Currently, Girard has been sending care packages filled with hygiene products, candy, pens, paper and letters from students and private citizens to military personnel overseas. "These people are putting their lives on the line and the least we can do is send them support and let them know it's not a lost cause," Girard said. "It's nice to have a card sent to you and the people who are in the field banging down doors and are on the move all the time, they don't have time to get eye drops." Girard stated that every week he receives anonymous donations from local residents that are shipped to two United States Army soldiers from Agawam serving in Iraq, and an Army Unit serving in Kosovo. He added that he would like to compile a complete list of military personnel from Agawam, Southwick, Tolland and Granville currently serving overseas so that care packages can be sent to them as well. Girard has also become a part of Operation Military Pride, which allows people to write and e-mail soldiers serving overseas on active duty who have no one writing to them. He stated that he has helped soldiers with Veterans' Affairs paperwork, problems and any questions that they have had. Over the past year, Girard stated that the Western Hampden District Department of Veterans' Affairs has sent hundreds of packages to troops. To add a name of a relative or friend from Agawam, Southwick, Tolland or Granville currently serving on active duty overseas call the Department of Veterans' Services at 786-0400 ext. 236. |