LAKEPORT— The idea of packing care packages delivered to deployed U.S. military troops abroad began in 2003 when two good friends in the Lake County Probation Department discovered their good working relationship sank deeper roots than either one suspected. Twenty one years later, the program’s mission remains the same.
Ginny Craven was training Kyle Molencupp that year in Probation when he was called up to Afghanistan. Molencupp was charged up to help fight the War on Terror until he discovered he was shipping out with a Canine Unit handling ordnance and landmines. It was not the ordinance that concerned him, he just was not fond of dogs especially.. Yet every soldier working with dogs have been bitten at one time or another.”
“That dog saved Kyle’s life so many times, he would have done anything for that dog,” recalled Craven. “He knew (Kyle) what he would have been honoring (21st anniversary) tonight but he works for a private contractor now in Malaysia but he sent home a message for everybody. Molencupp said, “Before September 11, I worked with Ginny in County Probation,” He recalled that he was deployed with a specialized unit to support combat and operations in the region. “Being the first soldiers to receive packages for the in 2003 in Bagram in 2003 in Bagram, Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom was an honor,” he said.
Molencupp later recalled that Christmas as one of his most memorable. Craven had sent over a small Christmas tree, decorations and snacks to enjoy. “It’s amazing Ginny and Ron Quick (her husband) and Tango Mike, military jargon for thanks much,has been a big part of supporting the troops abroad for all this time. It’s an honor to call Ginny and Ron a part of my family. Thank you for all you do and continue to do for the brave men and service women. You are al rock stars.”
“So, that was from Kyle, I don’t know (whether) to blame him or thank him, “said Craven. He’s the reason this (Packing Party) started. Since we began we shipped over 26,000 packages. It’s truly an honor to do this.”
Operation Tango Mike has no paid staff. And they are based at the Umpqua Bank, 11th, Street, Lakeport where they operated rent free the previous 15 years. It was an anniversary Thursday and ordinarily it would have been all business, but since it was an anniversary Craven and helpers would not rush procedures.
Next up to speak was Maureen Davis from Calistoga. “Our son is currently deployed to Somalia. and he has been a recipient from your organization,” said Davis. “He wants to tell you how much he appreciates those packages.”
Two U.S. Service recruiters based at the Ukiah Station helped slice the celebratory cake with service sabers. Brian Blackwell, is the state’s commander from recruiting operations for all Mendocino and Lake Counties. “I’m not from here, but Indiana, but I absolutely love it here,” he told a cheering crowd. His subordinate, Jake Tangemann, a graduate from Middletown High School said, “I actually joined the army out of the Ukiah Station seven years ago,” he said. “I went to Korea, Texas, Germany and all over the place. They asked me to be a recruiter, so, I said fine, send me home. But I didn’t think they’d do it, but I’m home a good three years.”
District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell was also celebrating an anniversary, his return from from Iraq 20 years ago. “I know the surprise you get when you see the package you get (from home) and the feeling when you open it, other people clamoring to see it too, so please trade,” he said. “The morale is needed when you get a little package from home, it makes a world of difference.”
Up from Calistoga was Erin Smith Highberg, president of the Calistoga Rotary. The Calistoga Rotary president attended the 21st Packing Party in Lakeport and said, “I’m familiar with it because I lived in Lake County 32 years. My group was so impressed with Ginny’s program we brought some baked goods to contribute, and then did a quick ask from our club and we were able to bring a $850 check for you,” she said.
