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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hugs-for-Soldiers/90334194496

Hugs for Soldiers is located in Duluth, Georgia and is a program and ministry of Duluth First United Methodist Church.  We have been Supporting Our Troops since February 2003 when the program was founded by Angie Doerlich.  Having grown up as an Army brat and being married to a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, she saw a need to support the troops deploying overseas and serving in harm’s way. After visiting with the Duluth Army Recruiting Office to see what could be done, Sergeant Long called her days later with contact names and addresses of the 2-69 Armor Battalion who had just deployed to the Middle East from Fort Benning, GA. Sergeant Long had previously been attached to the 2-69 AR of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and was able to assist in making suggestions for shipping care packages.

With the help of Linda Bailey and Carolyn Moore, Hugs for Soldiers started sending care packages, cards and letters of encouragement to a Battalion of 800 Soldiers.  Along with many supporters and volunteers, the program grew to what it is today.  Angie has had the privilege of working closely with Commanders, Chaplains, and Family Readiness Groups to make sure the Soldiers and their families are taken care of during deployments.

During this second deployment, over 200 individual Soldiers were adopted and cared for by families, individuals, school classes and church groups. More than 1,000 Soldiers were sent HUGS through our large group projects, such as Christmas for a Soldier.

Focus was put on the Soldiers' families as well. Over 150 spouses and children were sponsored by our caring supporters so they could travel to be a part of Duluth Fall Festival's parade and other festivities. At least 70 military families received the blessing and thanks from those who cared by supporting our Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drives.

Upon the return home of these Soldiers, Angie, along with the dedicated supporters of our troops, turned their focus to other Soldiers in need of care. We were able to reach out to the following groups during 2006:

Army 9th Div MiTT

718th Engineer Company

3d BN, 2d Marines, Company I

In 2007-2008, our country called upon our brave heroes of the 3rd Brigade at Fort Benning to deploy a third time to Iraq. This Brigade of Soldiers consists of 3,800 men and women from all walks of life ... from every state in this great land of ours ... and from many caring communities similar to those of Duluth. Our hearts were with them until they safely returned home in May after a 15-month deployment.  We also supported the 101st Airborne, 2nd Brigade from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until November.  They are now enjoying time with family and friends. 

2010:  We are in our eight year of supporting many of our deployed Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Please take a few minutes and browse through our website to learn how you can start supporting our troops as well. We ask that you consider telling your friends, families, co-workers, schools, churches, neighborhood groups and businesses to look at our website and see how they, too, can be a part of this wondrous opportunity to give something back to our American Soldiers who so freely give to us!

***Hugs for Soldiers is not affiliated with any other "Hugs" organizations or programs***