LaCrosse nonprofit supports troops overseas

It was more than just a one-time thing for Lana and Roger Myers of LaCrosse when they sent their first military care package in November of 2018.

Their personal ties to those serving in the armed forces sparked the idea of sending these packages and they haven't stopped since.

"To get just a little touch of home, builds morale," said Roger, recounting the time he spent overseas serving in a special warfare unit. "It was just nice to hear from home. Anything from home, no matter how small, helped me to keep going."

Lana's father and step-father both served in the Army.

"We 'adopt' one or more military units at a time and support that unit throughout its full deployment," Lana said. "The unit(s) can expect frequent, high-quality care packages from us. It gives them something to look forward to on a regular basis."

The first package the Myers sent was received by Keith Porter, Logistics Specialist Chief Petty Officer (LSC/E7) in the US Navy Reserves and others in his unit.

"Please convey our deep appreciation to those who may have assisted in sending the items in the care packages," Porter said, in a letter he sent to the Myers.

Lana said that when Porter's unit deployment was extended, they continued sending care packages their way. The Myers sent Porter's unit more than 65 care packages in the past year.

Their goal is to send at least two care packages every week, year-round. Included in the boxes, to take care of the female service members, are high-quality hygiene products that are unavailable to them at an Exchange. A handwritten, personalized letter is also placed in each care package.

"We implemented a policy that we send only top quality, non-generic products to the men and women who serve our country," Lana said. "We received feedback that some generic items didn't hold up well either in transit or in the field. We provide the best available for the men and women who put their lives on the line for us 24/7."

Coming upon the one-year anniversary of their first care package sent to troops, the Myers have decided to launch a nonprofit that continues to identify deployed troops abroad in all service branches who can use additional supplies, snacks and uplifting notes of encouragement.

The official name of their nonprofit is W.H.E.A.T. - We Honor Every American Troop.

Lana and Roger received confirmation from the Washington Secretary of State's Office on Tuesday, Nov. 12, that their nonprofit name was approved.

"We passed the screening for a firm that has a 100 percent approval rate at organizing several thousand nonprofit entities within the past three years," Lana said. "We expect our nonprofit status to be finalized within the next few months."

A location, off LaCrosse Airport Road, has been secured for the nonprofit operation. This property will house the nonprofit office, warehouse storage facility and its own shipping site.

Lana said that there are plans to transform part of this property into a Veteran's Memorial. They are planning to have flags representing the Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy as well as the American flag at this memorial.

"The nonprofit will operate with the highest standards, transparency and accountability," Lana said. "It will run 100 percent on donated goods, time and funds."

Lana mentioned that any person or business who donates goods or money to the organization after its incorporation as a nonprofit with the State of Washington will be able to deduct that donation from taxes as soon as the IRS approves its nonprofit status.

Currently, without the 501(c)(3) nonprofit status one package costs $18.45 to send out to an APO address. No matter how much the package weighs it will cost $18.45.

The mission statement for the nonprofit is to boost morale of troops deployed abroad through their full deployment with high quality, frequent care packages and handwritten letters.

Four ways to help:

Artwork/letters: A picture can be drawn or a letter written out expressing gratitude to those who receive these packages. Anyone from one-year-old to 100 can participate.

Donated goods: All branches of the military are served with these packages. Currently, goods are being collected for two units throughout their deployment. One unit has six all-male soldiers and the other unit has 75 soldiers, 65 males and 10 females.

Lana said that non-generic items are requested by soldiers because these are products they miss from home.

Some items that can be donated for example are potato chips that come in cans, powder high-efficiency laundry soap, coffee grounds and jerky.

Starting on Nov. 21, donated items can be dropped off at Carter Foods 201 S. Main St., LaCrosse. Items can also be dropped off at the Myers home until the nonprofit's office remodel is complete.

Postage: To help cover postage costs, members of the community can make checks payable to "USPS" and mailed to PO Box 253, LaCrosse, WA 99143.

Pre-stamped envelopes: Lana mentioned that a highly requested item from soldiers is pre-stamped, blank envelopes stuffed with a couple of pieces of blank paper. She said that this allows men and women to write home to their loved ones.

If interested in donating or with additional questions contact Lana Myers at 509-945-1314.

"This is really a community-based effort and not at all limited to LaCrosse," Lana said. "Our efforts are all-inclusive, meaning wherever you've heard of this nonprofit, you're part of this community, it doesn't matter your age or your income."