Support Our Troops presidents
Lynne Moore
This past year has been a really fulfilling one for SOT, as we were able to support so many military men and women and their families. Our fundraising allowed us to ship over 520 boxes to deployed military, as well as send gift cards to those military relatives of Robson Ranch residents. Our correspondence group also sends out cards hand made by Robson’s own Sassy Stampers to those same military with our thanks for their service. There are now 105 troops that we support. We also support Patriot Paws, Intrepid Fallen Heroes, and the Fisher House.
This month’s meeting began with a heartfelt and emotional thank you to Susan Galbraith, who has served as our president for the past two years. Darin Burk has succeeded Susan as our new president. He welcomes suggestions from all members on topics to discuss and speakers to invite to our meetings. He says, “Don’t be shy.” Let him know what your ideas and opinions are.
One of our important fundraisers is coming up soon, and is one that we look forward to. It is the annual SOT golf tournament, this year on May 1, where we invite military members, with their families, to come join us and play golf. We invite troops up from Ft. Hood, Carswell Joint Reserve Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, and FEMA in Denton. Those active duty military play golf for free, courtesy of the Robson Ranch Sales office, and are welcomed to stay in our homes and enjoy our hospitality and Robson Ranch. For golfers, watch announcements for when to sign up to play with the military. Hole sponsorship is also an option for individuals or companies, and right now only half the holes are signed up for. So, for $150, you can be part of this event to raise money for our military men and women.
Each month, SOT hosts the Argyle chapter of the Young Men’s Service League. This group of young men and their moms came monthly to meet with our members and to write cards of appreciation for the troops we support. Each month, one of our veterans speaks with these young men about their experiences in the military. This month’s speaker was SOT 1st Vice President Sam Goodrich.
This month also kicks off the brick drive for the Veteran’s Park. Bricks are available at many different price levels, so call Darin Burk to order them.
This is also a good time to renew your yearly membership with SOT or to join. Dues are only $10 per person, and you do not have to be in the military or retired military to join. You can also become a SOT sponsor, of which there are three levels: silver level is $50, gold level is $100, and platinum level is $250. One-hundred percent of these monies go directly to the military we support. Sponsors are listed on the SOT website (supportourtroopstexas.com) for the year, or it can be an anonymous donation. Businesses can be sponsors, and we can include a link on the SOT website to the business if provided.
For everyone who worked so hard over this past year to make the SOT events so successful, we are truly grateful. For all who volunteered, who shopped, who made and wrote out cards, who packed boxes, and who participated, thank you once again.