For the Troop Flag Presentation to Chief Bratton

What:
A presentation in appreciation of care packages sent to military police in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Where:
Parker Center (front)
150 North Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

When:
December 8, 2008 1:30 p.m.

Who:
Chief William Bratton
Paula Cornell, founder For the Troops
Janie Josephson, founder For the Troops
Jerry Szymanski, Valley Bureau Commanding Officer
Officer Trasia Figueira, Valley Bureau Special Event Coordinator

Why:
For the Troops is a volunteer nonprofit foundation that was founded three years ago. Two women from Simi Valley started the foundation to show the troops that America cares. As of today, 8,000 care packages have been sent to servicemen and women now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In May 2008, officers from Valley Bureau distributed large red barrels throughout the Valley Divisions to begin a month-long collection of items to be donated. Community members along with law enforcement personnel worked diligently toward a common goal which was to support the men and women of military law enforcement. As a result, an outpouring of donations filled the barrels. The care packages consisted of students’ letters from local elementary schools, recording CD’s, playing cards, pens, and an overwhelming amount of non-perishable items listed on the troops request list.

On June 28, 2008, over 40 community volunteers along with police personnel, arrived at West Valley Division to begin packing the care packages. The LAPD reserve officers held a fundraiser and raised $9,000 to help pay for postage cost which helped ship 200 boxes to the 716th Military Police (MP) Unit deployed to Iraq, 200 boxes to the 561st MP Unit deployed to Afghanistan and 200 boxes sent to the 194th MP Unit deployed in Iraq.

In appreciation of the LAPD and the community efforts, the 716th MP sent Chief Bratton the American flag that was flown over Camp Liberty, Iraq on September 11, 2008.

Several military flags representing seven military branches will be on display.