Community Corner

'Operation Cookie' Is On

U.S. troops get a taste of home overseas.

Thin Mints. Samoas. Do-si-dos. Tagalongs. Even Lemon Chalet Cremes. They're good in any part of the world and for U.S. troops serving overseas, it's a welcome taste of home. 

Skids upon skids of Girl Scout cookies are making their way to servicemen and women stationed around the globe through Operation Cookie, a scouting initiative underway to show appreciation to troops fighting the war.

"The Operation Cookie Program has deeply impacted the lives of our servicemen and women overseas," says Donna Ceravolo, executive director and CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. "Our partner DHL has agreed to send a second shipment of cookies, and we hope we can continue to bring a taste of home to our troops, but we can't do it without the help of our community."

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The effort encourages customers to purchase extra cases or boxes of cookies to donate to U.S. military troops. The first shipment arrived overseas in April and a second shipment is due to arrive by July 4.

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County, military servicemen and women, local business leaders and dignitaries recently gathered amid images and artifacts of past wars at the Cradle of Aviation in Garden City to push for further support of the initiative. 

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Sergeant Christine DeCaprio and Corporal Clifton Sams both read letters of appreciation while Ceravolo shared an account from a parent of a soldier who received cookies.

"The cookies themselves were wonderful, although we all had to do a lot more PT to make up for all of the delicious cookies that we just couldn't resist!" Jennifer Mack, a captain in the U.S. Air Force (commander, Community Services Flight), wrote. "But what was more wonderful was what those cookies represented, and that is your support for our deployed troops."

Captain Mack said it isn't easy missing out on important moments back home like birthdays, anniversaries, sports games and school plays.

"Each of us is out here because we're serving a cause greater than ourselves, a cause which sometimes requires many sacrifices, one of which is not being with our loved ones at home … The cookies you sent to us gave us a little taste of home and reminded us that even though we're not with you, there are still people out there thinking of us and praying for us," Captain Mack's letter continued.

Sgt. Maj. Phil Fascetti of the 1st Marine said the cookies he received while stationed in Afghanistan were "awesome." 

"As soon as we had unloaded the pallets the Marines started looking for their favorite boxes, it was like kids at Christmas," Fascetti's letter read. "I will never walk by a Girl Scout selling cookies without taking the opportunity to thank her for her efforts and also to help provide valuable financial support for their organization, as they have morale support for ours. We are very fortunate to have the support of our great nation and I am humbled by your thoughtfulness."

For more information about Operation Cookie and/or the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, call (516) 741-2250, visit www.gsnc.org or check them out on Facebook.


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