by EDWARD SZTUKOWSKI
News Editor

The Office of Student Development is asking students, staff and faculty to gather items to be sent in care packages to six Appalachian State University students deployed in Iraq.

Dean of Students Susie L. Greene has requested food and personal care items for the soldiers, such as trail mix, beef jerky, magazines and t-shirts. Greene wants to assemble the items into care packages and send them away by Nov. 16.

Donators may drop items off at Greene’s office in B.B. Dougherty Administration Building.

Greene said the university has sent care packages to deployed students in the past to show the university is thinking about them.

In the past, Greene has received good responses from the soldiers, who often keep in touch with her throughout their deployment.

“They are just really glad to hear from us,” Greene said. “The university is still interested in them and we care.”

It is often difficult to find where the soldiers are located, because the military generally does not say where they are. In order to track down the students, Greene must often speak with friends, parents and spouses.

“The first thing we do is contact them so they know we haven’t forgotten the students and we are ready to help them in any way we can,” Greene said.

Junior political science major and Student Government Association Chief of Staff Zach L. Grier said SGA will work with Greene to collect the supplies.

“We definitely want to support those fighting for our country,” Grier said. “We have a full senate, so we will pull from that resource [to spread the word].”

Greene said perhaps more so than the goods, the soldiers appreciate the notes and cards sent to them by students.

“I just think it’s the Appalachian way that we reach out and support them while they’re there and welcome them when they get back,” she said.

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