The value of a box of cookies

1st. Lt. Joseph Grimm and his platoon - Pfc. William Jordan, Sgt. Charles Crail, S-Sgt. Matt Forsstrom and Sfc. Jason Armano - are the beneficiaries of the generosity of community members who did something so simple and caring: They bought a box of Girl Scout cookies.

Initially, the six girls of Brownie Troop 388, who are affiliated with American Legion Post 488, set out on a mission to get as many boxes of cookies as they could sold and donated back to them so they could send them to 1st. Lt. Grimm, who is their adopted soldier, and his unit, who went to Afghanistan in February.

Their persuasiveness worked. Through sales to their friends, neighbors, relatives, our Legion, at their parents’ workplaces, at a cookie booth in front of Fran’s Hallmark in Monroe and with cash donations, they were able to get 300 boxes.

That’s a lot of cookie through their efforts and due to the kindness of their donors.

Not only did they have enough to send to 1st. Lt. Grimm and his men, they also were able to remember four other soldiers with local ties and send them cookies, too. Those big and heavy boxes are now in route to these men, who are doing noble work on behalf of our country.

They also included calling cards from Cell Phones for Soldiers so these service personnel could call home free of charge. The 60-minute calling cards were made possible through donations of obsolete or unwanted cell phones to the Post by the community. So please keep those donations coming to us.

Post 488 wants to thank everyone who supported the efforts of Allie, Anusha, Brigid, Fiona, Gabby and Meghan to do something kind for our soldiers. As promised, Post 488 has handled the shipping costs of getting the community’s donated cookies to where these men are stationed.

We are very proud of our girls and know they’ll do another great job next year. Please support their efforts next cookie season when they ask you to donate a box back.

You will send a piece of home to those who keep our country safe and secure.

As a reminder, this Sunday, May 27, is the annual community Memorial Day parade in Monroe. Please remember those who died in service to our country by proudly displaying your flag or even attending the parade at 1 p.m. along Route 17M. Veterans and current military personnel will be happy to see your support.

For God and Country, Martin Currid

Commander, American Legion Post 488, Monroe

Kurt Haug First Vice Commander, American Legion Post 488, Monroe