VFW post rally to help Jackie Gordon unit

A Veterans of Foreign Wars post is hosting a rally to collect items for the military unit of a Babylon Town board member deployed in Afghanistan.

The items will be sent to the Army Reserve 310th Military Police Battalion, the Uniondale-based unit commanded by Lt. Col. Jackie Gordon.

The unit deployed for Afghanistan after several weeks of training at Fort Bliss, Texas, starting in early January.

This is the fourth deployment for Gordon, who was re-elected to the town board in November. Ellen McVeety, who was to retire from the board last year, is serving as an alternate councilwoman until Gordon returns.

Gordon, 47, of Copiague, has been in the Army Reserve since 1984 and on the town board since 2006.

The rally will take place at the Copiague VFW at 270 Trouville Rd. starting at 10 a.m. March 31.

Volunteers can drop off items, make donations and help box items for shipment.

"It's important for all of us to show our troops serving overseas that our thoughts are with them at all times," Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer said. "Donating some of the comforts of home, like snacks, coffee, DVDs and toiletries, is one of the most direct ways we can support our friends and neighbors who are sacrificing so much for our country."

Suggested items include safety swabs, sweepers and refill pads, cold medicine, reed diffuser, plantain chips, energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, coffee including Keurig-style coffee and teas, snacks, toiletries and DVD movies.

Individuals may also drop off items at the town council office in Babylon Town Hall in Lindenhurst.