Blauvelt Lions' Adopt-A-Platoon Draws Big Response

The Blauvelt Lions Club chose the U.S. Army's Charlie Company for its Adopt-A-Platoon campaign.

Orangeburg resident Darrell Butler recently deployed to Afghanistan with Charlie Company, which maintains Apache helicopters.

The local connection helped generate a strong local response. Residents donated items including blankets, DVDs, CDs, candy, clothign, toiletries and snacks. Two classes in local schools wrote letters to the soliders. Valentine Electric in Blauvelt collected the donations and lettersa and volunteers with the Blauvelt Lions packed them into seven boxes that were shipped to Charlie Company.

"As a veteran, I take great pride in this program," said Orangetown Councilman Paul Valentine, chairman of the Adopt-A-Platoon commitee. "This is a special way for our community to support Darrell for his courageous service to our nation.

Butler's tour is expected to end in July, so the Lions plan to send more supplies early in 2013.