West Mifflin residents have been there to serve. Whether it be at Pearl Harbor or this latest conflict against terrorism, members of V.F.W. Post 914 Intrepid have distinguished themselves in battle and when home, helped those who still fight on freedom's frontiers.

And so it is now with West Mifflin native Major James Popa - a reservist called to active duty from the 99th Support Command.  V.F.W. 914 Post members recently got together and sent the first of many care packages they hope will be going across the Atlantic for Major Popa and his comrades.  Major Popa's unit has been in country since it arrived at Talli Air Base in Southern Iraq Feb. 9.  Curiously enough, it was another area unit - the 911th out of Pittsburgh - that flew him in a C-130 transport aircraft from Kuwait.

According to Popa, many other local soldiers from Western Pennsylvania are in his unit and would enjoy hearing from friends and neighbors back home.  Those wishing to send letters and packages to help show their support should mail them to:

Major James Popa
HHC, 300TH AREA SUPPORT GROUP
LSA ADDER
APO AE 09331

At its meeting this past January, V.F.W. Post 914 Intrepid membership approved $100 to help students at James Lavelle Catholic School in Homeville send packages to troops in Iraq.  Other efforts the post has been involved with include sending telephone cards to troops deployed overseas so they can better stay in contact with loved ones at home. For more information about how you may be able to show support for our troops, contact Quartermaster Mauer .