Charlie Brown was joined by retired General Wesley Clark recently in a special volunteer project to serve our troops overseas. In conjunction with Democrats Work, a national organization geared to get people involved in community-building volunteering, folks gathered to create care packages to send to troops currently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The sweltering Northern California summer couldn’t stop people from across the district from making their way to the Roseville Opera House. Over 100 men and women of all ages and political affiliations joined Charlie and General Clark in this project.

College students, veterans, mothers and businessmen alike joined together to show their support for the troops. Democrats, Republicans and Independents didn’t care about presidential choice or their stance on the war itself. Everyone gathered had one goal in mind: to send a small piece of comfort to the men & women doing their duty to protect our freedom.

Words and talking points from a political campaign seemed crass to Charlie, so our approach was non-partisan. This wasn’t about parties and their ideologies. It was about our soldiers and putting a smile on their faces, even if only for a brief moment.

After each package was personally created, our volunteers sat down and wrote personal letters for each box. General Clark and Charlie also wrote their own personal messages. One note, from a Republican, has been transcribed:

Dear Soldier,

I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your sacrifice and service to our country. Without your service we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that we hold…I sincerely hope that you enjoy this care package and that it provides you some comfort & entertainment in what we all know is a harsh environment.

Take care and thank you once again.

Another note, signed by a college student:

Dear Patriot-

We thank you for your courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty. You go in harm’s way every day to serve our country, and we are proud of your commitment. Please return safely as soon as possible.

Finally, a veteran of the Korean War wrote this note:

Dear Guys-

There aren’t enough words to describe my appreciation for the job you are doing four us & this great country. Saying thank you is only a starter.

I’m a Korean War vet-put in time in New Foundland, Battin Island (Goose Bay Labrador as well) as part of a joint services job building radar sites.

Stay safe & well…

With My Very Best Wishes

Thank you for helping us bring so many people together to do some good. Thank you Wes Clark, for your service to this nation and your willingness to roll up your sleeves & continue serving. And thank you Charlie, for taking leadership and proving that all political stripes can come together for our men & women in uniform.