By Linda McIntosh
UNION-TRIBUNE COMMUNITY NEWS WRITER
December 4, 2004
"Sometimes they're chatty and they talk about how they got hurt, and sometimes they're really quiet," said Jessica, 9. "I tell them I hope they get well soon."
For about six months, Jessica and her mom have been bringing small bags containing items such as a deck of cards, candy, a pen and pad of paper, toothpaste and maybe a book.
"You know it's about more than what's in the bag," said Jessica's mother, Elise Hartmann.
For several years, she has been sending care packages to troops overseas through Operation Interdependence, a civilian-to-military delivery system for Americans to show their support to deployed military.
But then she thought of doing something for those who come back wounded.
"Some don't have any family or friends nearby to welcome them back," Hartmann said. "I feel I'm making a bigger difference doing this."
Inside each bag is a note written by Hartmann. Sometimes she includes notes written by Jessica and her classmates at Alamosa Elementary School in Oceanside.
One note said, "We can't thank you enough for what you're doing for the country. We admire your dedication."
Hartmann has a soft spot for Marines. Her husband served for eight years, including in the Persian Gulf War.
When Hartmann started bringing gifts to the hospital, she came several times a month with a handful of bags each time.
Recently, she has been coming more often and bringing many more bags.
"I love packing the bags," said Jessica. "And I like giving them letters.
"Some of them tell me they want to go back, and that's a really great thing because they're not afraid."
The Hartmanns are among many Operation Interdependence volunteers in the area, but as far as they know, they are the only ones bringing the goody bags to Marines at the Camp Pendleton hospital.
"We want them to know we're still here for them when they come back home," said Albert Renteria, a retired Marine who started the nationwide Operation Interdependence.
"They like it," Jessica said, "and that makes me feel good."
For information about donating or volunteering for Operation Interdependence, call (760) 724-8900, visit www.oidelivers.org or write to P.O. Box 339, Fallbrook, CA 92088-0339.