Operation Enduring Freedom hits home
Let us take the time to Give Back to our US Soldiers in Afghanistan
Support Gary Jaconski, SrA
US Soldier and Summit Catering Employee
A longtime Summit Catering Employee, Gary Jaconski, recently had his US Air National Guard Unit deployed to Afghanistan. His unit is taking part in Operation Enduring Freedom, and will not be returning to the United States until the spring.
Gary began working for our company back in 2006, with his then fiancée, Cassy.
SrA Gary Jaconski, (Senior Airman) Gary Jaconski, a weapons specialist for F-16 fighter jets, currently deployed in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Gary was born December 8, 1983 to his parents Kathleen and Paul Jaconski. He has one brother, James Jaconski, who is also in the Air National Guard as well. His grandfather, Stas Kasprzak, was in the United States Army and fought in World War II for the infantry division. In addition, his grandmother, Pauline Kasprzak, was in the United States Army and serve in World War II as a nurse. His childhood best friend, Brian Clark, is also in the Air National Guard. His brother and best friend were in the Air National Guard when the unfortunately attack of September 11 occurred and since that day Gary knew that he wanted to do something more, he wanted to protect our country. In January 2004, Gary enlisted for six years into the Air National Guard for the 177th Fighter Wing Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Gary chose a career field in Aircraft Armament Systems, he loads and unloads munitions launch, release, and suspension; and he works on the F-16 gun system. As a new recruit, Gary left New Jersey for Texas to attend basic military training January 2004. Once he graduated from basic training in April 2004, Gary received specialized training for the mechanical side of Aircraft Armament Systems. He returned home in August 2004 where he received on the job training at the 177th Fighter Wing. Last year, January 2010, Gary reenlisted with the 177th Fighter Wing for another six years. He is planning to make his service to the Air National Guard more than a career; he hopes that to make a difference.
The purpose of the Military in Afghanistan is “Operation Enduring Freedom”. Gary’s unit is working 6 days a week for 12 hours a day. They are completely exhausted, and miss their loved ones back in the USA. Any correspondence or small care packages from home make all of the difference in keeping up morale and letting them know that we are thinking about them and praying for their safe return.
What can we do to show our support? So far, we have partnered with the Tabernacle Elementary School and Olson Middle School in Tabernacle to write letters to Gary’s unit, and other soldiers in Afghanistan. We are planning to send them in early December, so that the soldiers have something from home during the holidays. We are also collecting any items that are donated for the soldiers (see list below – Gary and his unit are especially craving Tastykakes!). Summit will pay for the shipping and mailing costs for anything to be sent in the care packages that are dropped off to our West Berlin Office. We can even arrange to pick up letters and items, as well. If you are interested in supporting our troops, please hit the contact us form or telephone our office.
We truly thank the Tabernacle Schools and the students there for their huge support, as well as our employees and customers that are helping these young men. Together, we can all take part in Operation Enduring Freedom.
SUPPLY LIST:
Body Wipes Bar Soap, Body Wash Shampoo, Conditioner
Lotion (for rough, dry skin) Hand Sanitizer Shaving Cream
Deodorant Eye Drops Contact Solutions
Q-Tips (travel packs) Razors Foot Powder (used in boots to keep dry)
Lip Balm-Blistex, Vaseline, Carmex, etc Toothpaste, Toothbrush
Mouthwash Dental Floss/Picks First Aid Kits (Travel Size)
Insect Repellent (Deet) Towelettes Batteries
Hand and Foot Warmers Writing Paper, Envelopes, Pens, Mechanical Pencils
Games and Puzzles Books (Hand Held) Power Bars, Breakfast Bars, Granola Bars
Trail Mix Dried Fruit and Nuts Campbell’s Soup at Hand
Chef Boyardee (Microwavable Plastic Containers) Powdered Drink/Energy Mixes (Ind. Servings)
Powdered Coffee Mixes (Individual Servings)
Tea Bags Spices (Sweet, Sour, Spicy – Tabasco, Season Salt, etc)
Gum Lifesavers Hard Candy
Other Snacks-Little Debbie or Hostess snack cakes, Rice Krispies treats, lollipops, gum and marshmallows. (Leave out chocolate candy, since that can melt in transit.)
Slippers (Rubberized Soles) White Athletic Socks Sunglasses
Female Troops-barrettes, hair clips, combs. brushes, bobby pins, rubber ponytail bands
Feminine Supplies – maxi pads, tampons, liners Playing Cards
Twin Sheet Sets (XL if possible) Towels Blankets
Flashlights (extra-durable Maglites are best) Extension Cords
Surge Protectors Beef Jerky / Slim Jim’s Popcorn
Pretzels Comics Christmas Decorations
Birthday Decorations
Toys-Slinky, Sidewalk Chalk, Squirt Guns (Anything Silly-for laughs)
Storage Bags (Various Sizes-Ziploc,Hefty,etc)
