Feb 21, 2009 – ASTi delivered $1,000 worth of donated snacks and personal care items to the Soldier Support Group for the 150 members of the 266th. This unit was mobilized to Iraq 5 months ago and is coping with numerous day-to-day problems besides keeping the peace in Iraq. "The National Guard forces have little opportunity to buy things they need so they rely on packages from home" says Crystal Pruitt. Crystal Pruitt, wife of deployed soldier Thomas Pruitt, spearheads the shipment campaign in Winchester, VA.

The care packages shipped provide much needed comfort to the soldiers while stationed overseas and also include items to be donated to small children at local Iraqi schools. Pruitt estimates she must raise $2,000 a month to cover the cost of purchasing and shipping these care packages. Fundraisers, in kind donations such as the one provided by ASTi come as a great relief to already strained budgets. The 266th company will be deployed for another 12 more months so donations of any kind are still being accepted and greatly appreciated.

ASTi is pleased to help this grass roots support group in aiding our troops overseas.

To continue support efforts, contact the soldier Care Group through Crystal Pruitt at pruittfamily4army@yahoo.com.