Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

Send holiday cheer to military personnel overseas.

With the holidays upon us, we think about what matters most — our families and loved ones. But some families don’t have the good fortune to be together; their loved ones are soldiers, spending the holidays a long way from home.

This is where Savannah writer Carol Megathlin steps in. Megathlin serves as volunteer program coordinator for the 3rd Infantry Division’s Adopt-a-Soldier program, begun by Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, now commanding general of Fort Hood in Texas.

“The idea for an Adopt-a-Soldier effort actually had its roots back in 2002 when then Col. Jim Huggins asked his father-in-law in Savannah, to find civilians who would write and send care packages to his solders in Afghanistan not getting any support from home,” explained Megathlin, who volunteered to adopt one of the soldiers. “So, when Major General Lynch took over the 3rd Infantry Division, I e-mailed and asked him to give me a soldier who was single and had enlisted in the army after we invaded Iraq.

“He gave me Private 1st Class Joe Dana, promoted to specialist while in Iraq,” she said. “And while 3rd Infantry Division soldiers will be home by the end of December, others will not, such as the Texas National Guard soldiers. So, there’s certainly many ways to sponsor a soldier. We welcome everyone.”

She coordinated Hilton Head efforts last spring with Mike Webb of First Presbyterian Church, whose son is in the 3rd Infantry Division. Webb and Nancy Bottone, director of volunteer ministry, initiated a program, serving over 400 soldiers. The holidays are hard for soldiers; some have never been away from home, others have returned for another tour. But they all know what they’re missing. Just to receive a personal note of encouragement, essentials like toothpaste, soaps, and personal items, means everything. It’s not what’s in the package — it’s the care and concern, and connections made around the world.

Last year, teacher Marty Sylvan’s class from Hilton Head School for Creative Arts adopted private Chandler Henry in the 101st Airborne Division. His mother, Elizabeth Henry, was a fellow teacher across the hall.

The class sent letters, drawings and books by his favorite authors. When the students found out Chandler loved gummy bears, they made sure he got plenty, along with Ramen soups, since soldiers on patrol bases only get one hot meal a day. When Chandler returned home on leave, he came to see the students and thanked them.

“It reduced him to tears,” Elizabeth Henry said. “It meant the world to Chandler and his unit.”

This past year, Chandler has seen two fellow soldiers injured, and narrowly escaped an improvised explosive devise or IED. His best friend was severely wounded.

Chandler received a promotion to private first class, and has been selected to attend Ranger School. He’ll be home for Christmas, but there are many soldiers still in need of support this season.

With troops stationed all over the world, the USO offers one way to help. Gifts can be made in honor of someone who has served and donations are accepted by phone, mail and online.

The Starbucks “Coffee for the Troops Campaign” has sent more than 2,000 pounds of coffee to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq from regional stores.

“Nine-hundred pounds alone came from the north-end Starbucks,” said Supervisor Sara Schwartz. “We sent whole beans and grinders to Baghdad Hospital and ground coffee to troops, along with biscotti and chocolates.”

Look for the “Coffees for the Troops” basket at area Starbucks.

The Adopt-A-Soldier program is there to help. To join the effort, contact Megathlin and request a soldier’s card. She coordinates directly with all sponsors.

Holiday packages are particularly welcome.

For more information, contact Megathlin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .