LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Operation Tango Mike (Operation Thanks Much), the local troop support effort, continues to ship monthly care packages.

Currently, care packages for American military personnel are being sent to six countries.

Care packages contain toiletries, especially individual packs of wet wipes, deodorant, toothpaste and powder.

Every box also contains quality proteins such as nuts, trail mix and jerky.

Food items are critically important too, and instant oatmeal packs and tuna pouches, packed in water, are frequently requested. Of course cookies, granola bars, candy and snacks are sent too.

All of the items shipped are lightweight and portable, as the troops are highly mobile and need to be able to carry provisions with them while on missions.

Despite the news of an impending troop withdrawal, units continue to deploy. Several units left for Afghanistan during May and will be deployed for nine months. Some of these personnel are now on their fifth and sixth tours of duty.

While citizens may have grown weary of the war, none are wearier than the men and women who have sacrificed long periods away from loved ones, in harm’s way.

American military personnel remain engaged in dangerous activities and seven have died over the last week.

The troops and their families are truly grateful for support they receive.

On April 15, United States Air Force mom Trecia Stovall wrote, “My son, SSgt Joshua Dean Stovall, returned from his deployment on Sunday, April 13th. He was met at the airport by his beautiful wife, Lindsay, & their precious daughter, Emily. Thank you for all the love & support that you have shown him & all of our service men & women. Your organization is truly a blessing to many.”

On May 11, Josh Banks wrote, “Thank you Operation Tango Mike and everyone associated with Tango Mike for the care packages that arrived today. They really do make your day when they arrive, especially the letters from the children. What you do does make a difference in the overall morale of the troops.”

It has become increasingly difficult to garner and maintain the support needed to ship monthly care packages. However, as they troops remained deployed, the local effort remains steadfast.

Anyone wishing to contribute to Operation Tango Mike may do so at Umpqua Bank, at the Lakeport and Kelseyville branches.

You may also use PayPal via www.operationtangomike.org or Go Fund Me via Facebook.

Donations may be mailed to Operation Tango Mike, 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451.

Packing parties to prepare troop care packages are held the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m., at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport.

For further information regarding Operation Tango Mike you may call 707-349-2838 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .