“At least five people are affected by a deployment to Iraq,” says Truhe, founder and president of Summit Supports Our Troops (ssot.org). SSOT provides support for soldiers that have a connection to Summit, as well as the soldier’s unit and family. So far, they have supported 65 soldiers and provided care packages for 7,100 individuals.
SSOT’s main activity is sending requested items overseas. There are three types of “packs”: a “clean” pack, which includes items such as wet wipes, toothbrushes, and deodorant; a “snack” pack with beef jerky, gum, and protein bars; and a “fun” pack, with entertainment items, such as DVDs or hand-held games.
To support families at home, SSOT holds an annual breakfast, quarterly family coffees, and women-only monthly dinners. “When everyone gets together we all speak the same language. When you have something in common and you understand each other, the level of tension is out of the conversation,” says Truhe.
Truhe’s son completed two tours of duty in Iraq and is now out of the military, but she remains committed to SSOT and hopes other communities will start similar groups. “It is so clear that if every hometown found out who was serving their country from their town, they can build a relationship like we have between community and military.”