Powell Troop Support sends 171 care packages overseas

Posted 12/17/15

“We pray for our kids to be home, but as long as they are over there, this is going to happen,” said Bonny Rouse, Powell Troop Support co-founder, as she packed boxes on Dec. 8.

Last Christmas, there were only two servicemen with local ties …

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Powell Troop Support sends 171 care packages overseas

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At a time of year when some sing of peace on earth, Powell Troop Support sends goodwill to those in war zones.

The group continued its Christmas tradition of sending care packages — a grand total of 171 boxes — to local troops stationed overseas.

“We pray for our kids to be home, but as long as they are over there, this is going to happen,” said Bonny Rouse, Powell Troop Support co-founder, as she packed boxes on Dec. 8.

Last Christmas, there were only two servicemen with local ties serving overseas. This year, that number has jumped to 40.

As for why the number has increased so much, “they don’t tell us,” Rouse said.

“I would say it’s because of ISIS,” she continued. “We just know they’re in a war zone.”

Packages laden with gifts are on their way to one woman and 39 men with local ties to the Powell community and surrounding area.

Rather than just shipping one box per soldier, Troop Support volunteers sent as many packages as possible. This year, each serviceman and servicewoman will receive at least four boxes.

“We wish we could be there to see their faces,” Rouse said.

Boxes are filled with various goodies: homemade fudge, trail mix, chips, candy, and, of course, jerky from Roger’s Meat Processing.

“Roger’s jerky has always been a hit — no matter when, no matter where,” said Ann Ruward, Powell Troop Support co-founder. Roger Beslanowitch has been an instrumental partner for Troop Support since the beginning, she said.

Using his own funds, donated meat, and sometimes meat purchased by his family, he has furnished the jerky for the soldiers since 2004, Rouse said.

This year, Beslanowitch’s son-in-law, Charlie Rein with the Anchor Ranch in Mellville, Montana, helped provide meat for the jerky.

In addition to tasty treats from Wyoming, care packages also contain practical items such as dental floss, socks and toiletries.

For the most part, supplies for the Christmas packages come from the employees, staff and students of Park County School District No. 1 along with monetary donations, Rouse said.

Powell Troop Support challenged students and school employees to help with the cause, and it didn’t take long for boxes upon boxes of donations to start rolling in.

One local student went above and beyond by individually wrapping gifts and writing a note on a Wyoming postcard for each soldier.

“Just precious,” Ruward said.

In addition to support from the local school district, Powell Valley Healthcare, the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW), the American Legion and Aldrich Lumber also donated to Powell Troop Support, she said.

Monetary donations helped cover the postage costs, which totaled $2,727, Rouse said.

Rouse and Ruward thanked everyone for their support. Students from SkillsUSA, FFA, Powell Middle School and Southside Elementary School, as well as residents in the community also helped pack the 171 boxes and get them ready to be shipped, Ruward said. The final shipment was sent Dec. 9.

“We would never be able to do this on our own,” Rouse said.

Powell Troop Support sends boxes to soldiers every month, but the Christmas shipment is the largest of the year.

The group only sends care packages to those who are serving overseas.

“We don’t ship to anyone who isn’t in a war zone,” said Rouse.

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