For the second year in a row, Port residents David and Amy Kates and their sons organized the Port community to create 1,000 cards of gratitude and holiday cheer to be sent to U.S. Navy SEALs deployed around the world.
David Kates wanted to get involved after meeting several Navy SEALs and their families at a fundraiser last year. “I organized the project after speaking with a former SEAL at a fundraising event through the Navy SEAL Foundation, a charity that we are involved with,” said Kates.
“I asked him what things did Navy SEALs like to get in care packages: food, DVDs, clothing. And he responded that all those things were good, but what they really like to receive were the cards and notes from kids thanking them for their service and wishing them happy holidays.” That response really affected Kates.
“That was a Thursday night. On Friday morning I spoke to my sons about getting their school involved in creating cards for the Navy SEALs. My sons immediately said, ‘we’re in.’” Kates’ sons Matt, a freshman at Schreiber, and Daniel, a seventh-grader at Weber, helped spread the word. “They were fired up about it,” said Kates. “The staff at Weber and Schreiber were extremely helpful in getting the word out and collecting the cards. Last year we collected 700 cards. This year we got more than 1,000. The cards should be in the hands of the SEALs around the world within the next several days.”
Marc Wolf, director of development for the New York region of the Navy SEAL Foundation, said, “SEALs and other Naval Special Warfare personnel are away from home on average of 270 days each year, and when they get mail from home, they know people are thinking about them. They love getting mail, especially when it’s from a kid who took time out of their day to write the letter. It’s inspiring. The Global War on Terrorism is now into its 15th year and the use of special operations forces will only continue to grow. Currently SEALs are deployed to more than 24 countries; and their missions have increased fourfold since 2001.”
Wolf was on Active Duty and was a Naval Intelligence Officer, assigned to Naval Special Warfare’s SEAL Team TWO. “When I was deployed in Iraq, I received cards from kids and teachers and it really makes a difference. Opening a card is a reminder of home and it makes you remember why you are there. It’s nice to know someone is thinking about you.”
About the Navy SEAL Foundation, Wolf said, “When you support the Navy SEAL Foundation you are investing in the welfare of our nation’s most elite warriors. They give back each and every day by putting their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we’ve come to expect. The Foundation’s principal role is to preserve the force and their families while Naval Special Warfare Command’s role is to ready the force. Through a comprehensive set of programs all aimed at benevolence, the Foundation is able to relieve a lot of stress for the SEALs and their families.”
The cards were creative and beautiful expressions of gratitude. Many were heartfelt and touching.
Kates said, “Our fantasy or dream is to get 2,500 cards next time. Just to say to the Navy SEALs, people are thinking of you. These guys are the sharpest edge in a pointy spear and they are blessed to do what they do.”
Wolf said, “What David is doing is very special. He’s making it so personal, creating a culture of philanthropy and involving his kids and their classmates. It’s a pretty powerful thing.”
To learn more about the U.S. Navy SEALs and how to help go to www.navysealfoundation.org or facebook.com/navysealfoundation.org.
See additional photos of Navy SEALs below:
