Military mother sends boxes of support Published April 5, 2007 By Senior Airman Sarah Gregory 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Aviano Air Base, Italy -- Through the efforts of organizations connected with the Department of Defense's America Supports You, military members serving around the world are shown that Americans are behind their efforts in the Global War on Terror. One such organization has a connection that sits a little closer to home. When Master Sgt. Patrick VanVranken, was stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in 2004 he received an e-mail that the military hospital in Baghdad was in desperate need of basic supplies. Knowing that his mother was the type of person to help, Sergeant VanVranken sent the e-mail to his mother, Gail VanVranken. "She's dedicated and decided that she was going to do something to help and it just expanded from there," said Sergeant VanVranken, who's now stationed here with the 31st Maintenance Squadron. "She's just that kind of person - for her it's not just talking about helping, it's really doing something about it." The request spurred Mrs. VanVranken into action and what began as sending much-needed items to the hospital has evolved into a powerhouse non-profit support organization known as Boatsie's Boxes. "My love and respect for my son, Patrick, inspired me to take action," said Mrs. VanVranken. While her son was the initial motivation for the project, Mrs. VanVranken said it's the feedback and the troops that keep her packing and mailing boxes. "It's not really just one thing, but many notes from the troops and letters from moms, dads and wives. [The troops] show professionalism and courage in flying missions, riding convoys, patrolling borders or walking the streets of Baghdad," she said. "I have so much respect for everything they do and I'm honored to play a part in their support." Nicknamed "Boatsie" by her Navy veteran husband more than 30 years ago, Mrs. VanVranken and her team of volunteers have sent more than 6,570 boxes of essential items, 10,588 Christmas stockings and 6,500 bags of jelly beans since that first package went out in June 2004. Boatsie's Boxes reach more than 20,000 troops in every branch serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kuwait. The organization supports three hospitals - one in Kandahar, Afghanistan, and two in Balad, Iraq. "During my stay at Balad, I became very familiar with Boatsie's Boxes," said Chief Master Sgt. Samuel Hagadorn, 31st Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "They were the most sought-after care packages and arrived almost daily. When opening a box from Boatsie, we knew we would be getting the 'good stuff.' She only sent us the best quality items; those that are truly useful and desired." Although the support program is named after Mrs. VanVranken, it's truly a family effort. Sergeant VanVranken helps his mother make contacts with servicemembers downrange to make shipping packages more efficient. The contacts e-mail Boatsie to let her know exactly what the troops need, and they receive and help distribute packages. "During my deployment to Balad, I hooked up with helicopter combat search and rescue members who took packages out to [forward operating area] locations," said Sergeant VanVranken. "From there we got contacts for mom to send the packages there and the feedback just started pouring in. It was a pivotal time period for Boatsie's Boxes." With all the packages being sent out, someone has to prepare the boxes for mailing - that's where Sergeant Van Vranken's dad, Jim VanVranken, steps in. Mr. VanVranken, aka "Box Boy Extraordinaire" folds all the boxes, tapes them up and makes sure everything's boxed properly. He's also made countless trips to pick up donated items and drop off boxes at the post office. Their daughter, Jeannie, maintains and updates the organization's Web site, www.boatsie.com. On average, Mrs. VanVranken and her team of volunteers ship out 50 boxes each week from her home in Wheeling, W. Va. They also have four seasonal projects - Christmas stockings, Valentine's Day Hearts, Easter or Spring bunnies and jelly beans, and Operation Beat the Heat in the summer. They are partners with America Supports You and have seven satellite branches. "I couldn't be more proud of her - of what she's done and what she continues to do," said Sergeant VanVranken. "It's just incredible. Her determination and commitment is unbelievable. "To help the troops, to make life more comfortable while deployed and give them a taste of home is amazing." Charitable organization Boatsie's Boxes became an official non-profit charitable organization in July 2005. People who donate items or money receive a tax deduction credit. Boxes are sent year-round, and with a 2007 $50,000 shipping budget, money donations are always needed.