The troops helping to fight the war on terror have never seen Hadley Township resident Louise Downs ? yet she has made an indelible impact on many of them.
Downs, known affectionately as the ‘Desert Angel? by those whose lives she has touched, has dedicated herself to sending ‘Desert Angel Kits? and good wishes to the men and women serving our country since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
She was surprised earlier this month to find the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS) had sent her a flag that was actually flown by Air Force Captain Steven Spiegal on a reconnaissance aircraft more than 70,000 feet above ground level over the Middle East.
The flag was presented to Downs by the 99th ERS Commander, Air Force Lt. Col. Chuck Cunningham, for her vigilance in making sure the troops are taken care of.
Downs, however, said such honors are not the main reason behind her efforts.
‘I don’t know anything about these guys,? she said. ‘It’s not about getting recognition for myself, it’s about doing the right thing for our troops.?
With the holidays in full swing, Downs has stepped up her efforts to send what she calls ‘Desert Angel Kits? to the troops.
She has complied a list of people serving in Iraq and elsewhere, and enlists the help of countless family and friends in filling the care packages to be mailed to the troops.
Any item ? as long as it is non-aerosol ? may be packed in the boxes. Downs said several snack items, such as hard candy, beef jerky, crackers and nuts, are popular with the troops, and any number of items from ‘dollar stores? are welcome as well.
With the winter months approaching, Downs said it is a good idea to send the troops clothing items to keep them warm, such as gloves, scarves and socks.
Downs said the soldiers are genuinely touched by the thought shown them by the citizens they are serving. An example of the troops? appreciation came in the form of an E-mail sent to Downs Oct. 16 by Master Sgt. Earl Hartlage, one of the many military personnel she has sent care packages to:
‘I just wanted to say you truly are a ‘Desert Angel.? I was in Oman last year and you were sending packages to the guys in front of my group, and then to my group. I am now in UAE and to my surprise the Desert Angel sends packages here too…It’s people like you that make all the difference. When you are stuck over here away from your family and friends and you wonder if you are making a difference or not, because you can only see a small part of the big picture. Then you get a package that reminds you what you are here for, and we are making a difference.?
Downs said credit for the success of the ‘Desert Angel Kits? has to be shared with the people in the Ortonville community.
‘Ortonville has been so kind to me,? she said. ‘I can’t say enough good things about the people here.?