Editorial

Hats off to cap project organizers and contributors

Friday, January 28, 2005

More than 750 caps from Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas will soon be shading the eyes of American servicemen stationed in Iraq and Kuwait.

In an overwhelming response to a front page plea in the McCook Daily Gazette, the caps flowed into the newspaper office in a steady stream, topping 60 dozen in less than two weeks' time.

The McCook area collection effort started Saturday, Jan. 15, when City Editor Gloria Masoner passed along an idea which originated with Sharon Jack of American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 257 in Eustis. Sharon had heard on the radio that troops needed ball caps to shade their eyes and head from the hot sun during their days off. More than 330 caps were collected and sent by the Eustis community, inspiring the McCook area to follow their example.

Within days, the caps came pouring into the Gazette from communities throughout the area. Caps of many kinds arrived, including souvenir caps from Las Vegas and other destinations; sports caps honoring high school, college and professional teams; racing caps saluting top teams, drivers and brands, and, as expected in rural America, seed corn caps galore.

It all added up to five large shipments of caps to servicemen, thanks to $486 in donations for postage. The ball caps were sent to members of the armed forces with connections to this area. They include Spc. Timothy Kinsey, whose grandparents live in Eustis; Pfc. Wesley Harris, whose aunt and uncle live in McCook; Pfc. Steven Thompson, whose parents live in Cambridge; SSg. Mike Paulson, whose parents live in Trenton; and Sgt. Chris Dimmit from McCook.

Masoner coordinated the cap project with the assistance of Marybeth Roschewski, the Gazette's circulation manager. Saturday, Marybeth and Gloriaboxed up the first batch of shipments.

Some of the caps which came in were from collections dating back 10 to 20 years. By giving them, area residents signified the pride and affection they feel for our troops in Iraq, Kuwait and other duty points around the world.

Thanks to Gloria and Marybeth, and all who participated in the ball cap project. Once again, the people of the the Golden Plains' have demonstrated their support for the young men and women who are serving on our behalf.

Note: The Gazette is still accepting caps for shipment to the troops. Please call (308) 345-4500 ext. 118 before delivering the caps.

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