| care packages |
Local woman is “ Proud To Serve Those Who Serve Us ”
through Pride Packages
by Eddie Seagle , Ed . D ., Columnist
In a world that appears to be focused on individuality and materialism , goodness can still be found in those who genuinely care about others . This article is about such a lady , Pat Garlick . Her volunteer efforts through Pride Packages provides a care package ( gift box ) to our military personnel in combat zones . For almost twenty years , Pat and her husband , Eric , have blessed service men and women serving abroad with a care package of goodies and attached a personal letter of love and encouragement to them .
In sending more than 5,000 ( and counting ) Pride Packages to our military personnel serving in combat zones over the years , such service is evidence of her dedication and passion in these volunteer efforts and to our soldiers . She started this ‘ package journey ’ in June 2005 and never dreamed that it would become so emotional and successful . Their youngest son Evan ( who was 17 at the time ) joined the U . S . Marines in 2004 , just after completing high school . After boot camp , Evan was deployed to Iraq . While in Iraq , Pat wrote to him every day and sent packages every week .
Evan stated , “ I received so much mail from my parents that my fellow marines called me ‘ Post Office ’.” Evan had only been there a few months when he asked his mother if she would send a package to a fellow marine who was not receiving anything from back home . Pat sent the package to the marine and it bothered her to think that there were probably more marines and soldiers just like Evan ’ s
Pat and Eric Garlick preparing packages for Christmas mailings .
buddy that weren ’ t getting any mail . This weighed heavy on her heart , so she did a lot of praying about the matter .
“ I knew that I needed to do something for our troops who were not receiving anything from back home and that I could make a difference in a soldier ’ s life if I would take the time to write a letter and send a package . Then , a few days later , as I was
54 MoultrieScene HOLIDAY 2024