Lowe's, USO team up to help U.S. troops

FORT MEADE, MD -- Somewhere down a long and winding road on the sprawling campus of Fort George G. Meade Army base stands an olive-colored barn-like structure dating back to World War II. Soldiers scoff at its weathered appearance, but their words still contain a respectful undercurrent.

Though the building may not be the most pristine the Army has to offer, the troops admit that for more than a half-century it has offered comfort to United States troops engaged in combat.

Today is no different.

On this day -- March 26, 2003 -- the barn shelters an assembly line of more than 100 military and civilian volunteers, who collectively fill care packages to be boxed up and given to soldiers at Baltimore-Washington International airport upon deployment overseas.

	Credit: Phil Cavali

Among the volunteers is Winston Cup driver Jimmie Johnson, who along with sponsor Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse has joined forces with the United Service Organizations (USO) to further develop Lowe's Power of Pride program, and implement "Operation USO Care Package" -- the only Department of Defense-approved method for civilians to send care items to our men and women in uniform.

Upon arrival, Johnson was greeted with a rather ho-hum reception. But as he meandered from station to station, his interaction with the troops triggered an intriguing realization.

"They all knew about racing," said Johnson, who signed autographs for several people, addressed the crowd with well wishes, took pictures, held babies and handed out care packages. "They were all making Sterling (Marlin) jokes, like, 'Why were you called to the big red trailer at Darlington? You didn't do anything.' I was cracking up the whole time.

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"I was surprised they knew so much. That was an amazing experience. And being that the government only endorses three programs, and ours is one of them, makes this even that much cooler."

Due to heightened security and the threat of anthrax, individuals can no longer send letters and packages directly to specific service members. Hence, the Power of Pride program provides a safe, simple way for individuals and corporations to show support for the troops.

Individuals may offer donations at Lowe's locations nationwide and during The Winston and Coca-Cola 600 weekends in Charlotte, which will go towards the sponsorship of a care package. Speedway Motorsports International helped out last Sunday, collecting $7,300 from fans entering the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Valued at approximately $25, the packages contain an assortment of items that our military personnel have specifically requested, such as disposable cameras, CDs, prepaid international calling cards, playing cards, toiletries, sunscreen and candy.

	Credit: Phil Cavali

Packages also include greetings from the American public, transcribed by hand, onto official "Operation USO Care Package" post cards.

"To be associated with a program like Power of Pride, that enables civilians to give back to the troops, and show appreciation for their efforts in defending our country and preserving our freedom, is a great honor for me," Johnson said.

"To me, Chad (Knaus, crew chief) and all the guys, the Power of Pride car means way more than just a special paint scheme. We're racing for a bigger goal, a deeper meaning. That's a great privilege."

Lowe's will support the program through a mobile marketing tour beginning in April 2003 that will travel the country taking donations for the USO, and allow visitors to send well wishes to the troops overseas. Lowe's stores nationwide will become official donation centers.

Culminating the program on Memorial Day weekend, Lowe's will present a Power of Pride pre-race show at the Coca-Cola 600, which will include a military demonstration, a country music concert and a check presentation to the USO.

During Wednesday's announcement of the program at Fort Meade, Lowe's senior vice president of marketing Bob Gfeller announced a $100,000 donation to the effort, garnering an appreciative "hooah!" from the uniformed attendees, including institution leader Colonel John Ives.

As everyone cheered, the National Security Administration was hard at work in its underground headquarters far beneath their feet, and the volunteers continued to stuff care packages at a frantic pace.

Ten thousand would be sent out by week's end. Twenty five thousand more will be stuffed and shipped this week, rain or shine.

Good thing that barn is still around.