Foster shows troops he cares

Some members of Fox Valley Troop Support were disappointed at the turnout Saturday when the grassroots group met at the Batavia VFW Hall to assemble care packages for local men and women serving overseas.

Few volunteers other than the 20 or so present mostly associated with the group, were on hand to pack.

The tables were lined with single-serve packages of tuna, noodles, and varied other food and personal items, as well as CDs and videos.

So they were glad to see Rep. Bill Foster during a mid-afternoon lull when he stepped inside, donned a T-shirt with the group's initials, literally rolled up his sleeves and began packing boxes.

"I'm trying to imagine what I'd like to get if I were over there," Foster said as he selected boxes of cereal, snacks, toothbrushes and even a Frisbee.

A Democrat representing the 14th District, Foster replaced Dennis Hastert, who left office before his term expired.

Foster also wanted to talk to the group about legislation he is cosponsoring in Congress. He backs the Hometown Heroes tax relief measure introduced last week by Democratic Rep. Baron Hill of Indiana.

The bill would provide a tax credit of up to $500 for individuals who send care packages to the troops serving in combat zones through sanctioned organizations like the Fox Valley Troop Support, which is based in the Tri-Cities.

"The legislation would ensure that sending gifts to the soldiers would be treated equally under the tax codes," Foster said. "A number of groups are doing it. Right now these donations are not tax deductible."

"I have such admiration for our troops," Foster said. "Anything that re-establishes contact is important. If it reminds them of home, it's a big deal."

Foster spoke to families who have sons and daughters serving in the military, like Kathy Tobusch of Batavia, who is a co-chair of Fox Valley Troop Support. Her son, Stephen, 23, has just left the Army after serving 15 months in Iraq, and her son, Alex, 21, is a corporal in the Marines serving a second tour in Iraq.

"My boys would tell me through e-mail about someone who didn't get a package and ask me to send one," Tobusch said. "That's how I got involved. Mail call is important. E-mail is nice but nothing beats a package."

"If you don't have someone over there, you don't know what it means," said Sue DiBenedetto of Geneva. Her son, Ryan, 21, is in the Army serving in Iraq, and her son, Nick, 18, is considering enlisting after he graduates from high school next month.

"Sending packages lets them know they're not forgotten."

The group will be putting packages together from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Batavia VFW Hall, 645 S. River St., and volunteers and donations are welcome. Donations may be dropped off at any time.

For information on Fox Valley Troop Support, contact Kathy Tobusch at kasha2226@aol.com or (630) 406-9172.