What a great way to brighten the day of an American Soldier

Michael S. Capio at 3017 Washington Blvd  will buy back Halloween candy from children November 5 and 7 from 11 am to 4:30 pm for $1 per pound. All candy will be sent to soldiers overseas as part of Operation Gratitude.

“I know about candy that goes overseas to the troops,” said Reta Moser.  “One of my nephews, Andrew, was a Ranger in Army.  He and his buddies were a forwarding group of rangers in Iraq dropped in to establish a base, clear an area or both.  They had nothing but what they could carry in their backpacks.  I suppose supplies were dropped in too. If so, those supplies consisted of basic rations. No PX there.   No shaving supplies, he said. No snacks.  It was before Christmas.

“But between Thanksgiving and Christmas there was a program for people in US to send selective packages—shaving gear, gum, shampoo, tooth paste, candy.  They had several packages one could purchase for a loved one.  Each contained snacks and basics that were not available to my nephew.

“I remember when I heard about the situation, I sent one of everything they had.  His whole family rose to the occasion.  His reaction was that he was overwhelmed.  He said he didn’t know that that many people loved him.   He wasn’t much of a candy lover before but he loved the candy that was in the packages.  More than anything he loved that people appreciated him, thought of him.  He was not in the best situation.