LET'S HELP THE FAMILY READINESS GROUP WELCOME HOME THE SOLDIERS OF THE 724TH MILITARY POLICE BATTALION

It is the pleasure of this Chamber to support our troops by affiliation with the 724th Family Readiness Group. The 724th Military Police Battalion is based at Nininger Reserve Center in Ft. Lauderdale. Their purpose is to guard enemy prisoners of war. Sent from here to Ft. Dix, New Jersey, for training, they were deployed to Arafjan, Kuwait on February 6, 2003. They were set up in Camp Cayote and as war commenced they proceeded to camp outside Bagdad.

While serving in Camp Cayote, Master Sargent Byron Reed informed his wife, Gloria that his cell phone battery was going dead but had a list of much needed supplies from several neighboring Coalition Units. Knowing the needs were much more than she could personally provide - made the announcement at the FRG meeting to enlist the assistance and resources of other members.

As we all know networking is a valuable resource and through Gloria's networking with the families of the 724th and the community, much was accomplished. Rick Shaw at 102.7 Radio began by interviewing Gloria and airing the needs of the troops. Heidi Thomas of the 810th Military Police Detachment, alerted her brother Jeff, a Disc Jockey at 99.9 KISS Country. Jeff aired the petition for the much-needed personal items and supplies along with KISS Country Marketing airing the request for a drop off point for the items.

On hearing the urgent need, John Leonardi, Vice President of Sawgrass Ford, most graciously offered their Sawgrass Ford Showroom as a drop-off location. The overwhelming response from a loving community rendered two large truckloads within two days. New obstacles loomed as the email from the Dept. of Defense states that there was limited aircraft space to transport the supplies. As fortune would have it - that same afternoon, David Blum, Vice President of Budget Mini-Storage, and his wife had seen the TV interviews of Gloria Reed, FRG Events Chairman while on vacation in the Bahamas. Contact was made and Mr. Blum has provided several units in his main storage facility in Weston and all packing supplies. To the surprise of The FRG, he opened nine more locations of Budget Mini-Storage in Brossard and Dade to be drop off points and storage for donations from neighboring communities. The response from the communities was a wonderful blessing and shipments began immediately to meet the personal needs of the troops. Even though the war has ended, there are still military units based at these locations still needing our support. To that end, the FRG has exhausted their limited funds and are seeking monetary support to assist in the shipping of personal items and supplies.

To the excitement of the families and friends, it has been reported that the soldiers of the 724th Military Battalion will return to South Florida in the next few months.

Upon return of our forces, a Welcome Celebration will be in order and affords the business community the opportunity to say "Thank You" to the troops and their families for their sacrifices. The 724th will need help from the business community to make this happen. Needs will include: a flat bed truck or trailer for staging, catering assistance, chairs, entertainment and volunteers for the event. Please call Gloria Reed - 954-578-6080 or Gerry Jackson - 954-673-4707. Monetary donations should be made payable to 724th Family Readiness Group and sent to 5515 NW 15th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33309. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your support.