Berman Sends Kids' Holiday Letters to Troops

[The following press release was provided by the office of Congressman Howard L. Berman, whose district includes Encino.]

Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-California) has sent more than 3,000 holiday messages from students from , and from across the Valley, to local troops serving in Afghanistan. 

The 28 members of the Delta Company of the 425^th Civil Affairs Battalion, who are based out of the Encino Armed Forces Reserve Center, will receive this piece of home in time for the December holidays.  Also included with the holiday messages are calling cards donated by the USO for the soldiers to use when calling home. 

" are filled with words of support, gratitude, and encouragement for our local soldiers,” said Berman.  "I was moved by the outpouring of support shown by our community, and I know the soldiers will be too.  We are sending a clear message to the members of the 425^th: Even though you are miles away, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.”

“When I first reached out to our local schools, I was hoping enough schools would participate so we could send a few hundred letters. I am happy to report today that we are sending thousands of letters! In fact, I had to use 19 boxes to ship all of them,” added Berman.

In October, Berman reached out to the principals at elementary schools across the San Fernando Valley to ask if their students would help send our local soldiers a piece of home for the holidays by writing holiday messages to the troops. The response was outstanding, and more than 25 schools participated in this effort.

In addition to the holiday messages from local students, Berman sent calling cards provided by the USO. These cards will help our local service members speak with their loved ones back home during the holidays.