Story by: Jordyn Taylor
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Fifteen-year- old Hunter McNeely is on a mission. He's trying to fill boxes with reading material,thank you cards, and personal hygiene items. 150 troops will receive care packages as tokens of appreciation for their service.
"I'm shipping care packages out to the military to the soldiers in Afghanistan," said McNeely. "To give back to them what they've given for us, serving our country and fighting for us everyday."
McNeely has been serving the community as boy scout since the first grade and wants to provide service to our country when he is older. As a part of his eagle project for the boy scouts of America, he decided that sending care packages would be the best way for the entire community to give back.
"He's always talked about wanting to be in the military and to serve his country," said Rick Vandevender, Louisiana National Guard first class sergeant. "And for a young man of his age to come up with something like this is very admirable."
McNeely's timing is perfect. First class sergeant Rick Vandevender said a West Monroe National Guard unit is deployed in Afghanistan.
"Sometimes it gets lonely over there when you've been gone a year and all," said Vandevender. "But when you know you've got the whole support of the community and people who don't even know you behind you, it really makes you feel more proud of what your doing and that people really respect it."
And McNeely knows that a little support makes a big difference...that's why he's calling-on others to help donate more supplies. A small price ....for those making the ultimate sacrifice.
McNeely has set up drop off boxes at Keller Williams realtor in Monroe and West Monroe - and at Community Trust Bank on the corner of 7th and Cypress - for donations.
