KARNACK - Daniel Sargent hasn't forgotten about the U.S. soldiers fighting overseas. The persistent Karnack resident is still seeking the aid of local residents, businesses and organizations in sending care packages to American troops deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. The official name of the effort is SOS - Supporting Our Soldiers. Items such as canned meats, snack items, socks, underwear, T-shirts and cosmetic products have been sent. "It's a good cause and this is the least I can do for them," said Sargent. "They're keeping us safe." Sargent established the initiative locally about three years ago. Since then, he's sent thousands of packages overseas, worked with several locals sympathetic to the cause and been asked by several organizations - some as far as Little Rock, Ark., and Georgia - if they can contribute. He's currently working with Laura Enderle, an organizer in Shreveport, La. The two hope to stage a series of fund-raisers at businesses and stores across the Ark-La-Tex in the near future. Sargent says several local organizations have also joined the cause. AMBUC's of East Texas club in Longview has pledged to donate $100 a month for the cost of postage and other items. Others that have donated items to our soldiers in Harms Way: St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Marshall, Latter Day Saints of Marshall, Church of Uncertain, Baptist church in Karnack, and Spring House, an adult day care center in Longview, have also contributed. Following the popularity of SOS, Sargent has been asked to make appearances on behalf of the initiative at a number of churches and organizations. On May 14, he will pay a visit to Spring House. Sargent says he hopes to launch his Web site (SOS-supportoursoldiers.org) soon, but is still looking for an expert to assist with the site. The site will enable visitors to donate, see pictures, read e-mails and interact with soldiers overseas. Sargent first came up with the idea to assist military servicemen and woman from a support group in Freeport, a small town south of Houston, where military support is strong. In Brazoria County, where Freeport sits, an estimated 20,000 packages are sent out to soldiers four times a year. Sargent says lending a helping hand to servicemen and women hits right at home. His son and two nephews have all served in Iraq, and all three of his brothers are military men. One of his sons will redeploy for his sixth tour to Afghanistan in June. Sargent himself volunteered to enlist in the military in 1977 but was told his hearing was too poor. Sargent says he's been collecting all of the letters, pictures and positive responses he's received from soldiers who have been given the packages. At the moment, he's looking for a centralized location to store all of the donations. Each box costs about $12.50 and is capable of sustaining up to 70 pounds. "I've got the drive to get there," he said. "I just need to get organized so we can make it work more." For more information on the initiative or to make a donation, contact Daniel Sargent at 903-578-1533 or e-mail sarge14624@windstream.net
A stack of boxes containing donated food and other items for solders serving overseas. Sargent also is seeking donations of items and toys for Iraq and Afghanistan children. 
Food items, candy and personal items are needed to fill care packages to U.S. soldiers. Toys for Iraq and Afghanistan children also are sought.Posted: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 8:07 am Marshall News Messenger
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