The staff at Lincoln Savings Bank, led by VP/Trust Officer Julie Versluis, found out just how good it feels to do something in support of our troops.  They recently sent care packages to U.S. Troops in Afghanistan.  The supplies arrived in Afghanistan on April 10, 2012, to a very grateful group of heroes.  Staff Sergeant Ryan Wienhold posted two messages on Facebook upon receipt of the supplies.

The first message from SSG Wienhold was posted on April 10, and read:

”Want to give a huge shout out to Julie Versluis and Lincoln Savings Bank for all the care packages today! WOW! The look on the soldiers faces were amazing! Thank you guys so much for doing a donation to send us supplies and everyone liked the cards from the students! I will post a pic of some of us holding the supplies! We can't thank you enough for all the help and support!"

The second message was posted on April 11, and was accompanied by a picture:

"Thank you Julie Versluis and Lincoln Savings Bank for the supplies! Here is a photo of our Maintenance and Recovery Crew from Operation Enduring Freedom!"

Julie, who has worked at Lincoln Savings Bank since 2005, has a personal connection to the military.  Julie’s son Trey, a 2011 graduate from Jesup High School, enlisted in the military upon graduation.  SSG Wienhold is from Jesup and was Trey's recruiter. Julie organized a fundraiser at the bank and collected $600 in contributions to buy the following supplies:

• 48 bottles of AXE shower gel
• 48 individual AXE Mens deodorants
• 12 bottles of shower gel
• 12 Secret Womens deodorant
• 48 count box of Planters Peanuts 
• 45 count box of Peanut Butter Crackers
• 45 count box of Cheese Crackers
• 5.75 lbs of beef sticks from the Gilbertville Locker
• Toothbrushes

Julie also coordinated the following donations to supplement the purchased supplies:

• Bath Soap Bars from the Grundy Motel
• Individual Packets of Whey Protein from Jesup Gym Equipment 
• Toothbrushes, Toothpaste and Dental Floss from Dr. Merritt Jones 
• Clinique Makeup/lotions/bath gels/soap/toothbrushes/toothpaste from an anonymous donor
• Books, puzzles, stationary
• LSB pencils, notepads and Koozies
• Letters from the 1^st Grade Class at Grundy Elementary

The items were boxed up by Julie and her “LSB elves”, and sent to the troops on April 3^rd.  The LSB elves consisted of other LSB employees and family members, many with personal connections to the military.  Christine Rolf, VP Mortgage Processing, assisted in the collection and packaging of the care packages.   Christine met her husband because she was his pen pal during the gulf war.  Jessica Ledtje, AVP and Trust Ops Manager, also helped to gather donations and enlisted the help of her daughter’s 1^st grade class at Grundy Elementary to make cards for the troops.   Jessica’s husband was a Marine.

Julie, pictured below preparing one of the care packages, said “I have been a supporter of our Troops since the Gulf War. Today supporting our Troops has a more personal meaning to me.  I am proud to say my son defends freedom in the US Army.  Those men and women who sacrifice and serve to protect our freedoms deserve our respect and appreciation.  Sending care packages and cards is just one way we can let them know how much we appreciate their service."