Hillsdale soldier rallies, raises money for combat journalists
Student coordinates efforts to send care packages to 126th Press Camp of the Mich. National Guard
Mark Hensch
Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: Your News
Junior Kate "Andy" Anderson will collect donations until late March for care packages she plans to send to the 126th Press Camp of the Michigan National Guard. She hopes to send them before the 32 combat journalists return to home base in mid-April, after a 90-day leave.
Anderson said students interested in donating can include letters, food, and almost anything else that reminds the soldiers of America.
As an active soldier in the 507 Engineering Battalion of the Michigan National Guard, Anderson said she knows firsthand how important care packages are.
"The hardest part of being a soldier is going back into deployment after leaving home," she said. "The goal of this organization is to show the troops as much support as possible for their achievements."
She said returning home often becomes difficult after a soldier's friends and family get over the novelty of seeing him again.
She said such culture shock inspired her work and will hopefully show the soldiers that their sacrifices are continually appreciated.
"By participating in this people have a chance to commend these soldiers," she said. "I feel confident that if students at Hillsdale College hear that soldiers need our help that they will give it."
She said the 126th needs extra attention, given that its members both fight in the military and cover it for civilian news outlets.
"Aspiring combat journalists know you get a chance to see something special other journalists do not," Anderson said. "Because of this, combat journalism is a highly coveted position."
Students interested in supporting Anderson can e-mail her at kanderson@hillsdale.edu or call her at (775) 291-8906.
She also plans to hold a Pi Beta Phi sorority event for the 126th Press Camp in late March.
Anderson said students interested in donating can include letters, food, and almost anything else that reminds the soldiers of America.
As an active soldier in the 507 Engineering Battalion of the Michigan National Guard, Anderson said she knows firsthand how important care packages are.
"The hardest part of being a soldier is going back into deployment after leaving home," she said. "The goal of this organization is to show the troops as much support as possible for their achievements."
She said returning home often becomes difficult after a soldier's friends and family get over the novelty of seeing him again.
She said such culture shock inspired her work and will hopefully show the soldiers that their sacrifices are continually appreciated.
"By participating in this people have a chance to commend these soldiers," she said. "I feel confident that if students at Hillsdale College hear that soldiers need our help that they will give it."
She said the 126th needs extra attention, given that its members both fight in the military and cover it for civilian news outlets.
"Aspiring combat journalists know you get a chance to see something special other journalists do not," Anderson said. "Because of this, combat journalism is a highly coveted position."
Students interested in supporting Anderson can e-mail her at kanderson@hillsdale.edu or call her at (775) 291-8906.
She also plans to hold a Pi Beta Phi sorority event for the 126th Press Camp in late March.
Be the first to comment on this story