HI MOM — 1st Lieutenant Jeffrey Halladay poses for a digital photo for his mom, PEF member Maryanne Halladay, in front of a Humvee in Tikrit, Iraq in June on his way to a good will mission. PEF Division 215 members collected funds for the troops to update their
computers.
Members respond to needs of U.S. soldiers in Iraq
By DEBORAH A. MILES
When Maryanne Halladay had a difficult time communicating with her son Jeffrey, a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army stationed in Iraq, her fellow PEF Division 215 members raised more than $500 for electronic equipment for the troops overseas.
Kelley Mathieson, Priya Pinto and Mary Trzcinski, vocational rehabilitation counselors at the state Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) in Buffalo, spearheaded the effort that enlisted more than 40 people.
“People came together and gladly gave what they could,” Trzcinski said.
Halladay brought to light that many U.S. soldiers overseas do not have much access to computers. Delays from her son in replying to her e-mail caused concern. So, she started writing to various companies, hoping they would donate some computers.
“I wasn’t getting a great response,” Halladay said. “I finally got someone to donate two older laptops.”
Unbeknown to her, Halladay’s co-workers were busy behind the scenes and presented her with a check in May that was used for whatever the soldiers needed, such as internet access fees, computer software and digital cameras.
Halladay was brought to tears out of gratitude for the effort. “I thought it was just phenomenal. Everyone is very supportive,” she said.
“I had not seen my son in six months, so it was very exciting for me to see a picture of him via e-mail. They’re holding their own over there, and in 130 degree weather.”
Halladay’s next mission is to send soccer balls to the troops, as the soldiers are in need of them as part of an activity program for Iraqi children. Anyone wishing to help may contact her at 716-848-8098.
The
Communicator September 05
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