American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 44 Elephant Butte NM. announced on June 8 that their 19 year program of Care Packages, sent to American deployed troops, reached a milestone. 20 packages were assembled at Post 44 in Elephant Butte and mailed on June 8. 2022 making a total of 10,000 Care Packages sent.

Unit 44 Auxiliary members, Marty Novak and Liz Nellis started the Care Package program in 2003 and this program has continued every month since its inception.

Marty Novak is still the Chairperson with a devoted number of helpers. One Member has been helping with the packaging and sending every month for over 12 years.

Committee members spoke of how much this Auxiliary program means to them. A quote from Unit 44 member; Joyce Hudgens: “We are acknowledging what our service men/women are doing and sending a little piece of home because we have not forgotten them.”

Marty Novak has many stories from returning deployed soldiers. One of her favorites she never forgot: “A long time ago, when our soldiers received their care package, there was always a package of six Oreo cookies in the package. They would carefully break each Oreo into four pieces to share.”

The program is funded by; Post 44 Elephant Butte, bake and dessert sales and individual donations.

If you would like more information please contact Marty Novak, Chairmen 575-744-4539 novaks@windstream.net