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Staff Writer
Salisbury University service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega (APO) conducted a collection for troops overseas at the North Salisbury Wal-Mart on Nov. 15 to show men and women in uniform that the ‘home front’ appreciates their service as well as going in harm’s way to defend the nation.
"It’s just a nice way to show them that we care and appreciate all they have done," Alpha Phi Omega's Public Representative Emily Outtarac said.
The items included necessities, such as soap, shampoo and deodorant as well as gum and granola bars.
APO completed the drive by working with the local Salisbury community and Maryland’s Operation We Care to raise supplies for the troops.
In addition to donating items, the group also accepted cash donations to buy care packages.
APO’s goal was to send about 800 packages to the troops in the Middle East.
Operation We Care has been active in Salisbury and Maryland for the past four years, and according to APO advisor Claire Williams has always been successful.
The fraternity also had two bake sales the week leading up to the drive to donate to the troops.
Between the bake sales and the drive, APO raised $700 for the troops along with the donated items.
“We’re raising morale and (giving them) a taste of home,” Williams said.
Besides drives and donations, SU students also assisted current military personnel and veterans on campus through the Student Military and Veterans Association.
The SMVA assists veterans and dependents in transition from military to university life.
Those students interested in taking a more active role in the service can join Salisbury’s Reserves Officers Training Corps unit on campus.
ROTC involves a classroom component as well as training activities off campus. Students participate in land navigation, infantry exercises, as well as physical conditioning.
Cadets in the program graduate as a commissioned officer on active duty in the Army or part time in the Reserve or National Guard.
Off campus community groups are also a way for SU students to support the troops.
The American Legion and Sons of the American Legion is open to veterans or the children of veterans, respectively.
The organization is a non-partisan advocacy group focused on supporting former members of the military and promoting American values of democracy and community service.