Tommy Duncan’s heartfelt ongoing series of profiles of Floridians lost in the war in Iraq ought to be required reading for everyone.
If you’re as touched as you should be, take another trip on the Internet to www.ourtroopsonline.com. The website features videos and stories from Americans in the war zone. It also encourages those of us back home to reach out and say you care to those troops – no matter how you feel about the war.
The site also shows the work of Bob Williams, the Wesley Chapel guy I used to write about when I was a Tribune columnist.
He needs help.
Since the current war began – and even long before that – Williams has sent literally tons of stuff to Americans serving overseas.
These days, his packages include more than candy. He boxes up television sets, DVD players, iPods, pool tables, pre-paid phone cards, tools, equipment, Starbucks coffee, cigars, clothes, personal hygiene items. You name it, he sends it. He fills requests, which pour in via e-mail from service personnel, their wives, kids, moms and dads all day, every day.
Williams, a Navy veteran and new grandpa, is a principle in Sifter Parts and Service in Wesley Chapel. His wife and kids run the business. Williams devotes God only knows how many hours a day to supporting the troops.
Much of the stuff is donated by companies like Starbucks, Snyders of Hanover and so forth. But Williams buys a lot of stuff himself – particularly the big stuff. He’s a regular at area discount stores. To raise some money, he also hits the speaking circuit at churches, civic and social clubs, whoever will have him and allow him to pass the hat. He does not talk politics; he talks about the men and women of our country in harm’s way.
The Lutz Patriots help him box up the goodies. His office and warehouse are right by the Wesley Chapel Post Office, so whoever is around drags the boxes over for mailing.
That’s where Williams needs help most. Since he sends so much overseas, his monthly postage tab is $2,000 to $4,000.
In the past when I wrote about Williams, generous readers would always donate enough cash for a month’s postage. Then, of course, I got the ax. So my platform to help Williams generate postage money disappeared.
Thanks to Sticks, I can now remind folks that it’s time to pony up again. You can read more about Williams and contact him at www.ourtroopsonline.com. Or you can email him at SIFT@aol.com, or at Bob@ourtroopsonline.com. The best thing to do is make a check out to the U.S. Postmaster and send it to P.O. Box 7560, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544.
voxpopuli
2 years ago
Hello Judy !! Great to see you.
I am VERY glad that you are keeping a venue (your own blog and website) to lend your own brand of charm to and keep the people of Tampa (such as they are anymore) appraised of the needs of those less fortunate et.al. I am the one who used to write you about starting the ‘fund for the needy’ We had many beautiful conversations about your Dad, my Mom and other things sad and wonderful ….
At any rate, this seemed a good opportunity (since I have already commended Tommy) to bring up the fact that there is another war on against our young people, especially the young men. They are being MURDERED and no one in Tampa is doing anything about it and no one in FL who has the ‘authority’ does anything but cover it up. We have begun to highlight these murders in our blog because a public outcry is necessary to stop this insanity. People should not lose their children to murder and then be intimidated into shutting up by the police and then have the same police dept found to be planting dope on people.
AND, I’ll send my usual generous check to Mr. Williams. I hope that all of you do the same. A noble man.
Please contact Governor Crist’s office and express your outrage over ALL of these illegal wars against our young people and the coverups by those who ’somehow’ found their way into public office in FL. And Tampa.
vopo
2 years ago
Hello Judy ! It’s good to see you. I am very glad that you will retain your own venue (your personal blog and your website, please inform as to same) to remind the good people of Tampa(such as they are presently) of the need of those less fortunate and other good things that need attention.
Since I have already commended Tommy and spend a great deal of time highlighting these young people we are losing in this illegal war I wanted to mention that there is another war going on against our young people here in Tampa and in Florida. Especially the young men. They are being MURDERED and noone in a position of authority to investigate these murders is doing anything but participating in coverups.
When a family tries to get justice for their loved one they are intimidated by the same police dept that is then found to be planting dope on those they need to ’shut up’ or ‘threaten’.
People (lots of time it is first responders who are the perps) are getting away with murder. What is needed is a public outcry to stop this insanity.
Please contact Gov. Crist and beseech him to rid of us of this cabal of liars and cover up artists that are allowing our young people to be murdered with no justice for their families. (nope, none of them want the death penalty, Mrs. Robinson)
And, I’ll send my usual generous check to Mr. Williams. Thanks for the reminder. I am the one who used to write to you about starting a ‘fund for the needy’ and we had beautiful conversations about your dad and my mom. Thanks for all the years. Glad you got the opportunity to lend your own brand of charm and heart to Tampa. Who is sorely in need of same. KUDOS to Mr. Williams !!!!