‘Military in our own Backyard’

Resident starts letter writing campaign to support new recruits

Eastlake resident Angela Schmidt has a goal to make sure newly enlisted local military recruits have community support when they leave for training.

“Military in our own Backyard” is a letter writing campaign she created to send words of encouragement and thanks to Eastlake’s newly enlisted service members.

Schmidt, who is always trying to think of things that would promote a positive community and put Eastlake in a positive light, thought this just seemed liked a fun thing.

“I think it’s important to support each other, and what better way to support kids just getting out of high school and moving on and just have that sense of home and connection,” she said.

The current recipients of the letters will be Dan, who enlisted in the Air Force, and Brandon, who enlisted in Army.

Only the first names of the recipients are being listed to ensure privacy and security, according to Schmidt, who also notes that all cards will be scanned to ensure no anti-military or inappropriate cards get sent.

Any family who has a newly enlisted military recruit or high school student enlisted can sign up to participate in the letter writing campaign.

The project originated when Schmidt approached Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Parins, Army recruitment officer, asking about ways to support local soldiers. She then approached Eastlake’s Economic Community Development Committee and Eastlake Mayor Dennis Morley, who fully supports and helped launched the project.

Residents interested in writing to the new recruits can go to the mailboxes, which have signs

explaining the program, and Schmidt’s email — angela@pgworld.com — for any questions. The mailboxes are stocked with blank cards and pens and placed in various Eastlake businesses, organizations or clubs. The mailboxes will move to a different location each month. For the rest of August and September, the mailboxes will be located at Eastlake’s library, City Hall and senior center. Businesses that would like to host the mailboxes

are encouraged to contact Schmidt.

“We think this will be positive for the participants and the community,” Schmidt said. “We also hope it will get people into the businesses, organizations and clubs hosting the mailboxes. We are advertising on social media and will post each month where the mailboxes are.”

“This is a great idea that Angela (Schmidt) came up with and brought to the attention of ECDC and the mayor,” Morley said. “With everything going on in the world, we need to honor our soldiers and make them feel at home.”