Operation Back to School Hands Out School Supplies to Military Families

By Nadia Crow, Reporter

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By KCRG Intern

Story Created: Aug 11, 2012 at 4:10 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 11, 2012 at 6:42 PM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Operation Back to School kicked off its first year. Saturday, the Iowa Troop Pantry and Coldwell Banker partnered to hand out more than 250 bags of schools supplies to military members and their families.

For the kids, Saturday meant one step closer to the first day of school.

"I got pens and pencils, colored pencils, crayons, and markers,” said seventh grader Cora Bult.

That’s along with notebooks, paper and other goodies all stuffed in 250 blue bags donated by the Iowa Troop Pantry and Coldwell Banker. It's to help service members and their families with the growing cost of back to school shopping.

"It's just a small way to give back and pay it forward a bit,” said Iowa Troop Pantry Director Le Ann Tyson.

Retired US Air Force medic Chris Wolfe started his Saturday with a dose of appreciation.

"It means a lot it makes me feel like I actually did something important with my life,” said Retired US Air Force Medic Chris Wolfe.

Now, Wolfe starts another chapter of his life, seeking his education in his second year at the University of Iowa.

"There's a lot of sacrifice the family members give. The girls were ten months and two years old when I deployed,” said Iowa National Guard soldier Dena Dietzler.

16 year National Guard soldier Dena Dietzler says these supplies help her two girls get the items they need before school starts.

"It's new things each year. A flash drive for junior high, sports are starting, and she'll be starting band. So all those things add up,” said Dietzler.

Whether you're in elementary school or college, these supplies will help ease the beginning of yet another school year.

"I really do appreciate everything they've done for us as a veteran it's a big thing for them to help us out,” said Wolfe.

Over the past two years, Iowa Troop Pantry has sent ten-thousand pounds of goods to military members serving overseas. That includes personal products, supplies, and food.

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