Omega Delta Sigma shows that it cares

The members of Omega Delta Sigma work together like a well-oiled machine.

The fraternity, which is comprised of military veterans and ROTC cadets, could have had the afternoon off from Saint Leo University. But members spent their time at Bob Williams' Wesley Chapel warehouse making care packages for troops stationed overseas.

In less than an hour, they had broken down and repacked two pallets of donated chocolate chip cookies, sealed and labeled dozens of 40 pound boxes for shipment, and helped unload a tractor-trailer of goods.

Robert Tester knows what it feels like to get a package like the ones he helped pack. Now a full-time student, Tester served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. "The cookies were great," he said. "I've had every flavor of Girl Scout cookies."

Williams founded Support Our Troops Inc. "because I want our boys and girls to come home heroes." This time of year, his nonprofit group spends about $35,000 a month in postage to send packages. He's always looking for volunteers, and for donations to offset the cost of the postage.

He relies on the students, whose lightning fast assembly-line technique saves him precious time. "The stuff they do, like putting those cookies in boxes, is really time consuming," he said.

On Wednesday, it was cookies. On other days they fill boxes with toiletries, or coffee, or popcorn seasoning, or humidors packed with cigars. Williams tries to honor every special request, whether it's for a refrigerator or a slow cooker.

Every weekend, the fraternity members from Saint Leo volunteer part of their Saturday morning to help. "It doesn't feel like we're doing our community service project," chapter president Martin Mune said. "It truly feels like we're doing a service for the soldiers."

But volunteering on Veterans Day was even more meaningful, especially for the veterans.

"Since I came back from Iraq, Veterans Day has a different meaning for me," Mune said. "It feels great to know that I did something to protect my country."

TO DONATE

MAIL TO:

Support Our Troops

Bob Williams

P.O. Box 7560

Wesley Chapel FL 33544

TO DONATE IN PERSON

29807 State Road 54

Wesley Chapel FL 33543

CALL: 1-800-367-3591