09/13/03
Operation Interdependence™ welcomes troops home
By: ERIKA AYN FINCH
The North County Times
OCEANSIDE ---- Camp Pendleton Marines were the guests of honor at The Show Palace in Oceanside on Saturday as Operation Interdependence™ welcomed the troops back home.
Volunteers in Operation Interdependence™, a nonprofit organization, have sent more than 120,000 care packages to U.S. military personnel serving overseas in the war on terrorism. The items, called "C-Rats" or "civilian rationsTM," are packaged in plastic bags and boxed, 50 packages to a box, then shipped to the troops.
"We are in 49 states and have over half a million volunteers," said Albert Renteria, president and founder. "We are the largest and fastest growing nonprofit organization in America."
Renteria, a retired chief warrant officer, said Operation Interdependence™ does not bog down the mail system with an abundance of little packages and it does not detract from training time for military personnel while they take time out as "delivery middlemen."
More than 500 military personnel, civilians and local politicians turned out for the event Saturday. Marines had the chance to thank coordinators who sent packages, and coordinators had the chance to thank Marines for their service.
Volunteer Debbie Haar chatted with Sgt. Dwight Bragdon, to whom she sent many packages while Bragdon was stationed in Iraq. The two met in person when Bragdon returned in July, and they have been friends ever since.
"It's great to get a package from someone who is not part of your family," Bragdon said. "It's good to know that strangers care, and that there are people out there willing to do more than wave a flag."
Haar said she feels like she has known Bragdon forever. They e-mailed each other nearly every day while Bragdon was overseas.
"How could you not do something for them?" Haar said. "Look at what they do for us. I mean, they don't get to wash their socks for five days. How can you not do something when they bust their rears for us?"
The event included performances by the First Marine Division Band, New York-based singer Jaha Wilder, Escondido Christian School students and singer Pamela Ramsey.
"It is such an honor to be here," Jaha Wilder, who recorded a special CD for Operation Interdependence™ care packages, said. "God put them in my heart, and I am sure they know they will receive blessings from the children and song lyrics today."
Claude Cole and Joe Patton were masters of ceremonies for the afternoon. Both men said they were proud to be at the event.
"It means as much to us as it does to them," said Cole, president of the Tri City Council Navy League. "I can't think of anything else I would rather do today. In today's America, you can't give back enough."
Food was donated by Hometown Buffet, Subway, Coco's, Denny's and Papa John's Pizza. Event sponsor's included The Show Palace, Mission Marketplace and North County Times. The room was decorated with origami swans with the names of 9-11 victims printed on their wings.
Pfc. Tommy Adametz from Mainesaid receiving the packages while in Iraq provided a brief break from the monotony.
"It was like Christmas Day when they arrived," Adametz said. "I was surprised to get packages from people who didn't even know me."
Typical care packages include candy, razors, soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toilet paper. Coordinators often sent notes along with packages, thanking the troops for their service.
"This is just my way of giving back and saying thanks for providing security and safety and risking their lives," Rick Long, vice president of communications for Operation Interdependence™, said. "So many of them are 18-to-21-years-old. It's their first time away from home and to receive a package on a monthly basis lifts morale."
For more information on Operation Interdependence™, log on to www.oidelivers.com.