San Mateo: City With a Heart

The city of San Mateo is accepting Valentine's Day cards for its adopted troops, currently deployed to Afghanistan.

San Mateo has had a love affair with the 1st Brigate Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division for the past 40 years, beginning during the Vietnam War.

On March 4, 1968, the San Mateo City Council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the troops, known as the Screaming Eagles, and San Mateo became the first city in the U.S. to proactively support a deployed combat unit in the Vietnam War.

And that relationship has only strengthened over time.

San Mateo residents are encouraged to drop off Valentine's Day cards for the troops by Friday, Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. at the San Mateo City Clerk's Office. The cards will be included in the city's care package.

Additionally, a premiere showing of the documentary of San Mateo’s special relationship with this troop titled “City With Heart” is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31 at City Hall. Details will be available on the city's website.

Ongoing donations to support care packages for each deployment can be made on the city's website, or checks made out to “Adopt 101st Airborne” c/o City Clerk’s Office, 330 West 20th Ave., San Mateo 94403.

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