 |
| Recipient | Project Name | Award Category |
| Karla Smiley (Founder) Judy Smith (President) Americas Moms for Soldiers Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Mail Call | Adult Community |
 Karla Smiley and Judy Smith |
“Don't let a soldier walk away from mail call with nothing.” |
| And with that thought in mind, Karla Smiley set herself to action. In her own words: |
| As I watched my son graduate from Basic Training I was extremely proud. At the same time I was shocked at how many graduates had nobody supporting them. When I learned there were soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq who never received mail or any care packages I decided to do something about it. I started Florida Moms for Soldiers, told everyone I knew about the situation, got a second job to pay for the supplies and postage and sent my first boxes in June, 2008. |
| At the heart of Americas Moms for Soldiers stands Karla and her fellow Mom, Judy Smith. Through their efforts, with the contributions of family members Guy Shumanski and Martha Kelaher and many volunteers, Americas Moms for Soldiers now supports over 1,500 troops each month. With assistance from organizations, such as Kiwanis and the Broward Sheriff's Office, caring volunteers pack and ship care packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. |
| The Moms work directly with platoon leaders, chaplains, sergeants, and squad commanders to coordinate their efforts and provide support to those troops who do not receive packages and mail from home. The average age of troops supported is less than 22 years old. |
| A personal note and a prayer to the soldier letting him or her know how much their sacrifice is appreciated is sent with each package. One-hundred percent of every donation goes to the soldiers. Keep in mind that the soldiers who receive the packages from Moms have no one on the home front supporting them. |
| Americas Moms for Soldiers Web Site |
| Click here to return to 2009 National Awards Recipients page. |