A 37mm shell from WWI; Photo by Charles Runner
A harmonica from rifle ammunition casings; Photo by Charles Runner
Charles Runner, President, Support Our Troops
During the holidays we had multiple relatives of Robson Ranch residents deployed to combat zones, and we anticipate more in the coming months. January is usually a “gray” month for the troops following the holidays. The SOT Support Team did its best to brighten the day by shipping double the number of boxes of comfort items and paracord bracelets to our deployed soldiers overseas.
The first SOT meeting for 2016 was held on January 23. President Charles Runner acknowledged the numerous thank-you cards and notes received from those we are supporting and reported a record 2016 Giving Budget of $76,673. Sixty percent of the budget is earmarked for support to the 75 troops currently on the SOT support list, including large shipments to the units of those deployed in combat zones. The remainder of the budget will be donated to U.S. organizations that support veterans in need of physical and emotional support. The SOT volunteers are already busy making paracord bracelets to send overseas. They hope to exceed their record 2,155 handmade during 2015.
During the meeting Charles displayed a 37mm shell from WWI known as a “one pounder” that was presented to him as a Christmas gift by his son-in-law, Ben Story, and daughter, Susan. Markings on the shell and projectile indicated it was manufactured in February 1918. The brass shell casing is covered with “trench art” markings, including a star shape and collage of objects and a face made by an unknown WWI soldier who also etched “J. O.” on the shell casing. Trench art by soldiers on the battle field using whatever items they had available can be traced back to the Napoleonic Wars and has been prevalent in combat areas up to the present. Ben’s grandfather created a harmonica from rifle ammunition casings he collected from his WWI battlefield. He engraved the music note on each shell, and it still plays very well.
The SOT 2016 membership drive is underway. Annual membership is $10 per person. The membership form can also be used to submit information about family members and relatives of Robson Ranch residents serving in the U.S. military to be placed on our support roster. Sponsor level donations of Silver $50, Gold $100, or Platinum $250 or more, may also be made. To date we have three Silver, seven Gold and one Platinum sponsor. Membership and sponsorship forms are available in the HOA kiosk or can be requested by email from [email protected].
The 2016 Spring Brick Drive for the Veterans Park is also underway. Forms are available at the SOT Tribute Book stand in the clubhouse or by email from [email protected].
The next SOT meeting for 2016 will be on Saturday, February 20, at noon in the clubhouse. Thank you all for your support to SOT.