A professional espresso machine, a year’s supply of coffee, and a half ton of supplies were shipped to Iraq this Christmas season to give Middletown’s adopted soldiers in Iraq some much-deserved holiday cheer.

The Mayor and Township Committee formally recognized Saber Funds, headed by Vincent Falci, the Office of Emergency Management, headed by Coordinator Charles W. Rogers III and Middletown VFW No. 2179 at the December meeting for their generous, consistent support of the Adopt-A-Unit Program. The Middletown VFW was represented by Senior Vice Commander Charles Gallagher at the meeting.

The espresso machine and coffee which donated by Saber Funds LLC of Middletown arrived in early December. The donation was shipped through Jersey Shore Coffee Roasters, located in Leonardo. In total, more 52 lbs of coffee will be sent in the coming months, thanks to the support these two local businesses.

Meanwhile, another half ton of donated supplies arrived safely in Iraq on December 17. Donations were made by local schools, Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Tonya Keller Bayshore Recreation Center’s Just for Toddlers Program and local families. Donations included snack foods, puzzles and games, children’s artwork, and personal hygiene items. Donations are packaged by volunteers from Middletown’s Office of Emergency Management. Shipping costs are donated by Middletown VFW 2179.

Middletown adopted the soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division last December before they shipped out for a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq. Middletown found Charlie Company through America Supporting Americans, a national non-profit that pairs towns with military units across the nation.

To date, Middletown has shipped a ton and half of supplies to support Charlie Company. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the donations have been sufficient to support all four units of the battalion, according to Charlie Company Commander Michael Donahue. The first shipment of one ton also helped facilitate a humanitarian mission to a local Iraqi Village.

Good Job Middletown!!!

Though the support of the community, Middletown homes to continue to support Charlie Company. For a complete list of items to donate, visit the Adopt a Unit section of our website.