The Howard Gardner Post No. 281 American Legion has been busy the past couple of months collecting empty inkjet cartridges and used cell phones for the “Soldiers for Soldiers” campaign, which raises money for children who have lost a parent during the war on terror.
According to Bob Nein, adjutant for the Tyrone American Legion, on November 17, the first shipment of 350 inkjet cartridges and 125 cell phones were sent to Fallon O’Brien, founder of the “Soldiers for Soldiers” project.
The total monies for the shipment equaled $725.
The Tyrone Legion has been collecting empty inkjet cartridges and used cell phones to raise money for “American Legacy Scholarship” for the children of military personnel killed since September 11, 2001.
Steering committee members for the local “Soldiers for Soldiers” program include: Talmadge Cupp, Mark Laird, Willie Martinez, William Moses, Bob and Jean Nein, Steve Sellers, Wayne Shirk, Don Wagner, Sue Wheland and Post No. 281 Commander, Fred Zanghi, Jr.
Nationally, “Soldiers for Soldiers” was started by two active duty Air Force service members, Staff Sgt. Kenneth and Airman 1st Class Fallon O’Brien, when the husband and wife team started collecting empty inkjet cartridges and used cell phones both on and off their military base.
Fallon found a company that buys used cell phones and inkjet printer cartridges that was willing to pay $1 for the inkjet cartridges and $3 for every used cell phone collected.
Locally, the Tyrone American Legion Post No. 281 serves as the central collection location. The Daily Herald is also a drop off point as well as the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce office.
The Legion members would like to thank everyone involved in the campaign. Also, members would like to remind area residents that the collection continues for the “Soldiers for Soldiers” campaign.
For more information, visit the American Legion web site at www.legion.org and click on “Soldiers for Soldiers” or call Post No. 281 at 684-3342.
