Manatee's Military Moms: Manatee support group needs your help

In the blistering sands of the Middle East, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines from Manatee County receive monthly doses of care and love from Manatee’s Operation Troop Support. As long as they are deployed, they will receive packages filled with snacks, letters, magazines and books packed especially for them.

During deployment, their spouses and children will be offered babysitting, children’s activity groups, scrap booking classes, support groups and more.

"These services should be readily available to every Manatee County soldier, they deserve it," says Jim Comkowycz.

And when they return, they will be welcomed home as the heroes they are; they will know they have not been forgotten.

All this support and help doesn’t materialize out of thin air. Jim and Pat Comkowycz, parents of a soldier who was wounded in Iraq, work endlessly and tirelessly to provide support and services to our troops and their families.

They need help.

Many have already accepted the challenge. Jody and Blake Hadley, Cathy Wilson, Debi Miele, Lisa Bapst, Shane Ekelkind, Janet Banks, Lisa Comkowycz, Linda Craig and many more have stepped up and made a difference. They can’t do it alone. There are many opportunities for volunteers to devote a few hours here and there; but the real challenge is to find folks with the time, drive and devotion to really take charge of a program they feel they can be dedicated to and make MOTS all that it can be.

Are you ready to take charge, be the boss, and take responsibility? Do you want to make a measurable difference in people’s lives?

The Comkowyczes are helping, and so can you.

Tiffany

If you can volunteer, or know a service member who could benefit from MOTS,
contact:
Jim Comkowycz
Director, Manatee’s Operation Troop Support
(941) 744-6245
Click here for their website

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AIR FORCE GRADS OF MANATEE COUNTY:

Air Force Airman 1st Class Keith B. Lawton has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Lawton is the son of Kevin and Colleen Lawton of Blackbird Court, Bradenton, Fla. In 2000, the airman graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School, Falls Church, Va

Air Force Airman 1st Class Nestor G. Matos has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Francisco and Yolanda Sotomayor of 27th Ave. E., Palmetto, Fla.

Air Force Airman Amanda L. Mills-Saur has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Mills-Saur is the daughter of Jim and Gloria Saur of 221st E. St., Bradenton, Fla. In 2007, the airman graduated from Nathan Bedford Forrest High School, Jacksonville, Fla

Air Force Airman Corey M. Perez has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Perez is the son of Gary Perez of Faith Circle East, Bradenton, Fla. In 2007, the airman graduated from Okeechobee High School, Fla.

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FLORIDA NAVY MOMS

FLNM met at Saints and Sinners a couple of weeks ago for lunch and to pack some care packages for their sailors. Proud Navy mom Peggy sent these photos to share:

Marine Mom Mary Johnson and Sailor grandmother Mary Johnson
(yes, they both have the same name!)