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| Adopt an Army Unit April 2003
Being away from home during the holidays is hard. But when the 299th Engineering Company, Army Corps of Engineers (Ft. Belvoir Unit) deployed to Southeast Asia last November, they were looked after and supported by MITRE employees, thanks to the help of Joann Baker and her project—"Adopt an Army Unit." The unit comprised 173 soldiers, including 12 women, going through its first deployment. Baker's husband is in the unit. Through him, she discovered that many of the men and women had little or no family support. Adopting the entire unit was one way to ensure that everyone was remembered, especially during the holidays. Baker began by listing her cause under the "MITRE Classified" and "Volunteer Opportunities to Donate," sections of MITRE's intranet, requesting baked goods, letters from children, games, and toiletries. MITRE employees responded enthusiastically with these items and much, much more. Some people sent boxes directly to individual names that Joann provided them. Some became pen pals with the soldiers. Two departments donated money that Joann used to buy needed bathroom items. Debby Drake sent pocket flags from a junior ROTC unit. Many people brought in large boxes of a variety of items. Besides the loyalty MITRE employees have shown the soldiers serving their country, Baker has received a great deal of emotional support from the MITRE military families. Joann is grateful and amazed by the outpouring of generosity and kindness from MITRE employees. She says, "I tell everyone that MITRE is a family-friendly company. The people here are really wonderful." The 299th Engineering Company has been thrilled to get the gifts, letters, and support. Many soldiers in the unit have approached Baker's husband with appreciation and thanks.
Page last updated: June 11, 2003 | Top of page |
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