'Operation Care Package' Sends Holiday Gifts to Soldiers Abroad

Two members of the Residence Life Office's "Street Team," a group of 15 freshmen in student housing committed to improving campus life through community service, spearheaded the recent collection of items for the U.S. Army's 539th Transportation Company in Kuwait. Army Specialist Gaven D. Crosby, an information technology: network specialist concentration major from Benton, and Eric T. McMahon, of Oil City, enrolled in building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration, delivered Operation Care Package parcels to the college's Mail Services Center on Friday for overseas shipment. The pair, aided by residence life coordinator Kas A. Williams, got a huge boost from David E. Machamer, a part-time member of the business administration faculty who felt particularly connected to the project due to his son's service in Iraq several years ago. Machamer, human resources manager at PMF Industries Inc. on Reach Road, was the leading contributor and went so far as to promote the collection effort through fliers in company employees' pay stubs. Resident Assistants and other students from across campus also donated to the drive, which collected flashlights, toiletries, magazines and other items.
Photo provided by the Residence Life Office