For more information, contact: Jessica Erickson, AT&T Wisconsin 608-282-7870 (work) 608-692-5340 (cell) jessica.erickson@att.

com

U.S. Marines Present Local Volunteers with Surprise Commendation from Commandant of Marine Corps
Pioneer Volunteers Also Receive Flag Flown Over Base in Afghanistan as a Thank You for Shipping Care Packages to Troops Overseas Since 2003
MADISON, Wednesday, September 11, 2013 Madison area volunteers who have worked since 2003 to ship care packages to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan were presented today with a surprise commendation and thank you letter from the Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The volunteers also received an American flag that was flown over Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan on August 19, 2012 in dedication to the AT&T Pioneers. In a letter thanking the AT&T Pioneers, General James F. Amos, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, wrote: More than a decade at war has taken a toll on our brave warriors. Most have seen multiple deployments into harms way, and the support you show through sending care packages and greeting cards ensures that our service members know that their sacrifices are appreciated every package and card you send goes a long way in boosting morale. We cant thank you enough for your compassion, generosity, and selfless dedication of time and energy. The Pioneers first started shipping care packages to U.S. troops serving abroad when the Iraq War began in 2003 through its HOME (Helping Our Military Everyday) Project. Since then, the Pioneers have shipped 6,634 care packages and mailed 15,014 birthday cards to troops stationed in Iraq and now Afghanistan. As part of the HOME project, the volunteers have made it a commitment to identify deployed service members who do not receive a lot of mail from home and make sure those soldiers receive care packages from the Pioneers. Receiving a care package from home really means the world to our service members who are bravely protecting our country overseas, said AT&T Wisconsin State President Scott T. VanderSanden. The AT&T Pioneers have really gone above and beyond in their efforts to support our troops, and it is wonderful to hear how their efforts have made a difference in the lives of our troops.

U.S. Marines from the Madison Recruiting Station made the surprise presentation to the volunteers during the monthly meeting of the AT&T Wisconsin Pioneers. The AT&T Pioneers are a local organization of employees and retirees who volunteer their time to various community causes. The letter and commendation can be viewed at this link.
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About AT&T Pioneers

Founded in 1911 as the Telephone Pioneers of America with Alexander Graham Bell as one of the first members, the Pioneers continue to build on the millions of hours dedicated to helping others. More than 300,000 AT&T employees and retirees are involved in the AT&T Pioneers volunteer organization.

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