from staff reports
Presently there are more who want to adopt soldiers than soldiers available to adopt.
Web Of Support Meridian is a troop support organization that partners with www.webofsupport.com in Nevada. The goal is to raise awareness and re-awaken the patriotic spirit of all Americans by "adopting" troops and encouraging their deployment. Norris Galatas and P.J. Degross started PJ's Soldier Adoption Program from his hospital bed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. Sgt. 1st Class Grayson "Norris" Galatas who was serving with the Mississippi Army National Guard's 155th Brigade Combat Team in 2005 was seriously injured in an IED attack. His wife, Janis Galatas, tells of his courage in a book she wrote recently called, "A Soldier's Courage."
There are local Mississippi Army National Guard soldiers from the Meridian area who are currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan who would love to connect with caring supportive families here at home. One way in which Janis Galatas hopes to give comfort to those serving overseas is by sending the soldiers care boxes. The boxes are just now starting to reach the forward operating bases, (FOB's) so more and more troops will want to get adopted.
"I wrote to the Dallas Cowboys Franchise in hopes they could send me some glossies of the cheerleaders to put in the soldiers' boxes, but instead they sent me a Dallas Cowboys Team Pennant," said Galatas. "I didn't quite know what to make of it until my co-workers got excited about the autographs on the pennant...Our "throwback" team pennant is signed by Team Owner Jerry Jones and Head Coach Wade Phillips Jr. This makes it a most sought after collectible for a Cowboys fan."
Galatas said those collectable pennants will be included in a basket with a Hamilton Beach blender, margarita mix, two glasses, chips and salsa and even a coffee mug...all in Dallas blue and silver, wrapped in clear paper and tied with a blue and silver bow. This basket will be given away at the 4th Annual Dixie Thunder Run on Sept. 5, at the Chunky River Harley Davidson dealership.
Tickets are available for a donation of $1 at Saxon's Flowers & Gifts, Seal Laird Vet Hospital, Lucky 13 Motorsports in Collinsville, Chunky River Harley Davidson, Ryan's, Bows & Toes Dog Grooming, Miss Priss, the Chunky Monkey, Poisso's country store and many others around town. More information with the Morning Outlaws on WOKK will be forthcoming.
"This is a party in a basket and it is to raise money to ship 150 Christmas boxes to our local Meridian troops deployed to Iraq," Galatas said. "I have a TAG group of talented and gifted students in the Newton County Elementary School who will decorate the 150 boxes in Christmas themes for the soldiers."
Tickets will be available at Country Day in Union Saturday and the basket will be on display.
Galatas said WOSM has two groups of soldiers, one group is at a fairly nice base, the other not so lucky. The good place has air conditioned sleep trailers, showers, latrines, a chow hall, and a PX. The troops are not complaining and are only asking for cards or letters or something special from home like home baked cookies or brownies. The other group landed at a base much like Camp Dogwood in 2005...a hole in the road. They do not have showers or latrines, no PX, no chow hall and are eating MRE's three times a day.
"They are sleeping on the ground," Galatas said. "Just like 2005, they are building themselves hooches and a camp. They have requested duct tape, zip ties, caulk, caulking guns, screws, and all the eminities like wet wipes, purell, and any shelf-ready meals like chicken-n-dumplings or beef stew."
Anything Little Debbie fits in their pockets for later and anything microwavable is welcomed.
Galatas said Web Of Support Meridian works closely with the Family Readiness Group to keep in touch with the needs of families as well as troops. The FRG has been presented with 30 copies of the book "Downrange: To Iraq and Back" by Chuck Dean (Vietnam vet) and Bridgett Cantrell (PhD). This generous donation was made by NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) and their president, Kristen Owen. This book helps troops and families recognize the devastating symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder before it becomes unmanageable.
"This show of support for our soldiers is much appreciated," said Galatas.
Degross, in Carson City Nevada (www.webofsupport.com), is working on getting some "Crocs" for the troops to use as shower shoes, Galatas said. She said some soldiers are on their third pair of shoes, worn out by the long walk on the hot, abrasive sand to the showers and back.
Galatas said any royalties from the sale of her book "A Soldier's Courage," available on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Courage-Janis-W-Galatas/dp/141967952X#) goes into shipping these Christmas boxes.
"It is a huge undertaking, but we can do it," she said.
Anyone wishing to sponsor a soldier or adopt a soldier, should contact Janis Galatas at (601) 480-3800. Supplies can be dropped off at WOKK and they will be shipped immediately.
BOX
Adoption
The Web of Support Meridian is a weekly feature that showcases soldiers who have been adopted. This week's soldier was sponsored by Seal-Laird Vet Hospital. To adopt a soldier, contact Janis Galatas at janisgalatas@earthlink.net, or by phone at (601) 480-3800.
SSG James A. Davis, 155th BCT, B-Company, Quitman, MS
SSG. James Davis is my personal HERO. I couldn't be married to anyone more perfect for me than him.
He is a very loving and understanding man. He is loved and admired by me and his three children.
Jamie served in Desert Storm. I didn't know him then. We met at work when he returned. All the
people at Sears would call us the "Story Book Romance." I feel that I'm the lucky one.
Four years ago, Jamie's unit was called to war yet again. I was terrified but Jamie was "On Ready."
He loves what he does. He loves this country. Yes, he misses his family and friends but it's because of his love for us and this country he serves. Now he has found himself back in Iraq and again he was ready to go.
He said he knew he was going to marry me because I was the first girl his dog Muffin ever liked.
So I guess she had to approve. Lucky me. All our kids love animals and our daughter Krysta wants to be a veterinarian.
In closing, I'd like to say again "Thank You" for supporting the troops. It means more than you'll ever know for them to know that there are people back home loving, praying and supporting them.
- Mrs. Starla Davis
