East End Community Comes Together To Support Local Servicemen

“We just wanted to come here today to thank the community and the school especially for providing us with care packages while overseas on deployment,” Lt. Col. Robert Siebelts of the 106th Rescue Wing in Westhampton Beach told Hamptons.com during a community event at the Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary School. “While we were far from home, it kinda brought the community a little closer to us and made our deployment a little more bearable.”

Siebelts was part of one the troops who received a care package created by students from the Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary School during a community event last year which was hosted by Southampton businessman Rocco A. Carriero. On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, once again Carriero and associates gathered to assemble school supply kits that support families of the service members of the 106th Rescue Wing.

“We’re so excited to be back here at Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary School for a second year of working with the students and putting together care packages for the troops and their families,” said Carriero.

Like last year’s assembly, students learned a little bit about the 106th Rescue Team during a slideshow and video presentation. A few lucky children even had the chance to try on some of their gear.

Students eagerly filled each “Back to School” envelope. (Photo: Nicole Barylski)

The soldiers spoke to students about what it meant to receive the packages. “We couldn’t do it without your support, back here at home. The care packages really meant a lot to us, especially the goodies,” expressed Major Sean Boughal. “You guys wrote a nice letter to us that really meant a lot to us. It helped us through the day and makes us realize what it’s really about when we go out on a mission.”

Major Broughal explained that when their British counterpart’s mail was being diverted, the 106th Rescue Wing spread the community love. The Brits were particularly fond of the North Fork Potato Chips, or crisps as they call them he told the audience. “We kinda shared the kindness,” said Boughal. “I’m just happy I got to come here today and say thank-you to each and everyone one of you. It really made our deployment a lot easier.”

This year, the “Back to School” care packages were filled with items like notebooks, pens, and other office supplies. “We’re here today at another great event,” said Lisa D’Agostino, Airman & Family Readiness Program manager at the 106th Rescue Wing. “Just knowing the community provides such support to our men, women and families at the 106 Resuce wing, we’re just lucky and very appreciative.”