Operation Redbird: Support the troops
AHS has sent over 150 care packages to military
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

UPPER FREEHOLD — Military service men and women will be enjoying a bit of cheer from home this holiday season, due to the efforts of Allentown High School (AHS) employees, students and members of the community.

Anastasia "Stacia" Essl, an AHS secretary and Upper Freehold resident who leads the Operation Redbird program, said she does it because it's the right thing to do, and it stirs her patriotism, respect and gratitude to those in the area who serve.

"It gives me some sense of comfort helping someone who is sacrificing his or her own personal life to protect us," Essl said, adding that she grew up on stories of her father serving in the Navy in Saipan, Guam and Tinian during World War II.

All of Essl's uncles also served during World War II and were stationed in Europe or the South Pacific.

"They weren't able to receive much in the way of packages from home where they were fighting, so I guess I do it to honor their memories and sacrifices," she said.

AHS Vice Principal Brian Myslinski said the school started its involvement with the troops three years ago. Originally, the program was called Adopt a Platoon.

The first military group the school supported with care packages was the A Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, of Fort Bliss, Texas, where Robert Mahrer, the son of English teacher Denise Mahrer, was stationed. The following year the school adopted U.S. Army Reserves 244th Aviation Battalion at Camp Speicher in Iraq, where the father of a student was serving.

The students, staff, and local community have collected and sent Ramen noodles, tuna fish packs, and other assorted non-perishable snacks, as well as shaving gel, DVDs, white crew socks, pillows, magazines, CDs, CD players, Deep Woods OFF, hand sanitizer, small pots and frying pans and a bread maker, according to Myslinski.

"Many of the district's students have also written letters to our soldiers," Myslinski said. "From the feedback we've received, these letters bring the greatest joy to the soldiers' hearts."

Two years ago, AHS decided to personalize the program by concentrating on the soldiers associated with the Upper Freehold Regional School District. The school now supports six AHS graduates serving in combat areas.

"Whether graduates of AHS or a parent to one of our students, we want these soldiers to know we support them in their mission, are praying for them, and want to sent over small tokens of our appreciation," Myslinski said.

The support program's name changed to Operation Redbird, and Essl took over as the lead contact person.

'She, and her grandson Jeremy, spend countless hours organizing care packages for holidays and the soldiers' birthdays," Myslinski said, adding that AHS seniors Shannon Roth and Ashley Sigona were among those who volunteered to assemble packages for the troops.

Essl estimated that at least 150 boxes of supplies have been sent out since the program began.

Rick Jakober was instrumental in getting the collected supplies to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Upper Freehold Educational Foundation and science teacher Kris Lopez provided funding to ship them, according to Myslinski.

In addition to the many Allentown, Upper Freehold, and Millstone residents and businesses that have helped the school with the troop support project, parishioners and Sunday school participants at Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church in South River, which Essl attends, made contributions.

A plaque and wreath stand in the main office atrium of AHS in dedication to the Allentown, Upper Freehold and Millstone men and women who have served or are currently serving the country as members of the armed forces.

"As we become aware of veterans connected to our school district, their names are added to the Plaque of Honor," Myslinski said.