When Merrill native Michael Jaeger put out a call to his home area to assist the poor of Afghanistan, the response he received was overwhelming. His family is in the process of shipping nearly 200 boxes of donated clothing and bedding to Afghanistan.

Jaeger, a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, is nearing the end of a year-long tour in Afghanistan. In addition to his military duties, Jaeger volunteered to take a leadership role with the Volunteer Community Relations (VCR) program. The VCR program assists the poor and displaced residents of Afghanistan, thousands of whom live in refugee camps.

Jaeger’s plea for donations went out through local media in early November. St. Vincent de Paul in Merrill volunteered to serve as a drop-off point for donations, which started to pour in.

"The people of Merrill and the surrounding communities have been very generous," said Michael’s mother Connie Jaeger, of Merrill.

Countless local families brought in donations. The program received large donations from St. Mary’s Oracle Church in Wausau, who contributed three truckloads of items, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, whose District 4 Troopers brought in a large amount of donations along with money to help with shipping.

"I read the article in the Foto News and thought we could help," said Trooper Kristin Kempen, of Tomahawk. "The troopers and the employees of District 4 donated. Everybody thought this was a wonderful idea."

Assistance with shipping costs is still being sought. Contributions can be made to the VCR Program at Associated Bank of Merrill.

A Message of thanks from Michael Jaeger:

"Families of Greater Wisconsin,

"I would like to personally thank you for your donations. The warmth of your hearts has transcended thousands of miles. Your donations are going to people who are struggling to survive. With each coat, hand made blanket, scarf or hat you provided, one more family may not have to lose a child to the ravages of winter. I have been here working with the people of Afghanistan on a daily basis trying to help them regain peace and stability in their country. Aside from my military mission I’ve taken on a personal mission to aid the under privileged people of Afghanistan, the ones who can no longer help themselves and are held at bay by a war of survival.

"Many of my fellow service members are on the same personal mission. We currently have over 70 volunteers assisting with the program here on Camp Eggers. Throughout the United States people like you are identifying with the need to help the Afghan people. Without your assistance programs like this could not exist. Thank You!

"Your military is serving you well. Every service member here whether they are a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine, volunteers to do the military mission our Commander in Chief puts before us. But sometimes, some of us want to do more. We see the need to aid those who need it most. The ones who are suffering, hearts and minds, hand shakes and hugs, the children! My tour here is almost complete but what you have done will last a lifetime!

"My heartfelt blessings go out to each and one of you who has done the most important thing we as people can do, care for your fellow man and provide hope of a better tomorrow. Merry Christmas!"

Sincerely,

Your Sailor,

Michael P. Jaeger GMCS (SW), USN

Camp Eggers, Kabul Afghanistan

Attached is a link to our home page which shows our last mission. By January your donations will be delivered to those who you intended them for.

http://www.cstc-a.com/index.php/option=com_content&view=article&id=282:coalition-forces-provide-humanitarian-aid&catid=75:november-2009&Itemid=165