BLAUVELT LION’S CLUB SENDS SUPPLIES TO PLATOON IN AFGHANISTAN

The Blauvelt Lion’s Club Adopt-A-Platoon campaign now has special meaning. Orangeburg resident Darrell Butler was recently deployed to Afghanistan so the Blauvelt Lion’s Club designated his platoon – Charlie Company of the United States Army – as the recipient of the Club’s campaign to help American soldiers abroad. Charlie Company is responsible for maintaining Apache helicopters.

Butler’s deployment helped the Adopt-A-Platoon campaign generate a tremendous response. Local residents donated supplies ranging from home-made blankets, DVDs, CDs, candy, clothing, toiletries and snacks. In addition, two grammar school classes wrote letters to the troops. The supplies and letters were dropped off at Valentine Electric, a Blauvelt-based electrical contractor, and Lion’s Club volunteers packed seven boxes and shipped them to Butler’s platoon.

“As a veteran, I take great pride in this program,” said Paul Valentine, the chairman of the Adopt-A-Platoon committee. “This is a special way for our community to support Darrell for his courageous service to our nation.” According to Valentine, Butler’s tour will end in July so the Lion’s expect to send more supplies to him early in 2013.

  Blauvelt Lion’s Club Adopt-A-Platoon