Pasco’s ‘Troops’ Recognized for Support of Those Overseas

When you’re a soldier stationed thousands of miles from home, it’s the little things that matter. Letters from home, a care package from the community, cards from school children; they all become very important for morale.

That’s the story Pasco County Sheriff’s Cpl. Dave Rodriguez shared yesterday as Bob Williams, the founder of Support The Troops, presented the sheriff’s office with an American flag that had flown over a base in Afghanistan.

Williams’ Wesley Chapel-based nonprofit organization sends out about 2,000 care packages a month to American soldiers stationed in 19 different countries. The packages contain snacks, personal hygiene products and other items soldiers far from home have trouble getting their hands on.

Support The Troops spends about $65,000 a month on postage and is always looking for donations to not only stuff the boxes, but also cover shipping costs, Williams said.

Each box costs $40.62 to ship, and that’s where the sheriff’s office comes in. The agency’s employees support the nonprofit through a payroll deduction program. That program also benefits such other nonprofits as the United Way, the Boys and Girls Club, the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Explorer Post 916 and The Angelus, which is an assisted-living facility for severely handicapped residents based in Hudson.

"Your payroll deduction program really helps us keep the boxes going over there," Williams told Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco Tuesday.

During the flag presentation, Rodriguez explained how important care packages and letters from home are to soldiers on the front lines.

“It gives us a taste of home,” he said.

Rodriguez is a lieutenant in the Florida National Guard. He returned from overseas last March.

While stationed in Afghanistan, he said soldiers’ days were brightened when packages arrived from America. He recalls receiving cards and letters from school children, in addition to boxes of goodies and snacks, many of which were sent by the sheriff's office directly.

“I read every single one,” he said of the letters. Rodriguez said he’s even kept those letters now that he’s home.

The attention from home, he said, “makes us feel appreciated.”

For Nocco giving back is important. His agency is currently reminding employees about the payroll deduction program and is also reaching out to the community to remind residents that the need for charitable donations doesn’t end with the holidays.

“I believe it is important in the new year to reflect how we may better help those less fortunate than us,” Nocco said in a media release.

For more information about Support The Troops, visit the organization online. To learn more about the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s charitable efforts, visit the agency’s website.