"THE NEED IS NOT GOING TO RUN OUT"

For reasons of selfishness I focus our attention here on the doings in Iraq. But Iraq is only one front in the Global War on Terror.

Afghanistan is another. And yes, after all this time, we still have troops there...and it is still a dangerous place.

Understanding that many folks aren't keeping up with Afghanistan or Iraq for that matter, a certain group of folks in the small town of Lutz, north of Tampa Florida have taken on the mission to keep the vigilance high, and to make sure the troops know they are not forgotten.

They are the Lutz Patriots. And every Friday they hold rallies in front of the Lutz school on a busy thoroughfare in that town reminding the folks who pass by that America is on duty in this war...and those are our soldiers, not to be forgotten.

I heard today from Barbara, one of the founders of the Lutz Patriots, and she says that during the 90 minutes the Patriots are out every Friday evening,

"thousands of cars pass by. You would not believe the response from the people in cars passing by. 90% honk horns and hold thumbs up and even wave their own flags out the window. Certainly is a disparity between that and what we see on the news."

Well, yes Barbara, it certainly is...and that is what this web site is all about...telling the stories that get overwhelmed by the body count headlines.

Barbara flatters me by saying "We just have to tell you that we go to your website every day and you are doing one great job of portraying the truth."

Aw shucks, Barbara...now ya gone and made me blush...

Anyway the Lutz Patriots put together care packages for our servicemembers. As Barbara says it:

...(W)e are packaging care packages for Iraq and Afganistan and writing encouraging letters.

A recent article in the Tampa Bay Tribune talks about the Lutz Patriots and their efforts:

The volunteer group launched Operation Support Our Troops, a communitywide effort to send care packages to U.S. troops in the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan.

The packages, which could include personal letters to troops, will be sent to three chaplains, who will hand out the boxes to the most needy.

"Some soldiers get no mail. It breaks my heart every time I hear that,'' said Barbara Mueller, one of two women who started the weekly patriotic rallies in front of the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 U.S. 41.

Mueller said the care package items and money for postage must be donated by mid- November so they will arrive by the holidays. One package can cost $7 to $21 to mail, so costs quickly add up, she said.

"The need is not going to run out,'' Mueller said. "It's just a matter of how much Lutz is willing to support.''

Donations can be brought to the Friday evening rallies, which run from 4:30 to 6 p.m., or dropped off at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office substation at 19002-C First St. S.W. in downtown Lutz.

Some of the requested food items include Little Debbie snacks, canned fruit with pop tops, salsa, granola and nutrition bars, beef jerky, Rice Krispie treats, fast-food condiment packages and presweetened Kool-Aid.

The personal items could include nail files, lip balm, razors, shaving cream, baby wash, sunblock, eyedrops and deodorant.

But you know, it goes beyond just the amazing burden of supporting the troops...they've also taken on an orphanage and a school as well:

"It's become a part-time job for me,'' Mueller said. "As I find a need, and I find someone here that will fill that need, I can't say no. We're simultaneously supporting Iraq, Afghanistan, an orphanage and a school.''

Take a peek at this story and video as Barbara reads a note from an appreciative Soldier.

Barbara says the young Troops are heroes. Well, Barbara...from where I sit, so are you and the Lutz Patriots.

God bless the Lutz Patriots, and God bless our Troops!