By Bruce Karnick

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The National Guard’s 434th Chemical Company based in Hastings deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. These men and women have been away for quite some time now and Dean Markuson of the Foss and Swanson People’s Center is looking to send a little bit of home to the troops.

Markuson is gathering Halloween treats and letters for the troops. “Currently, I have three boxes of Halloween treats for them, at a cost of sixty dollars and an additional sixty- five dollars, for shipping, as you know, they cannot go trick and treating, as they are serving in harm’s way. So, if you desire, to send some letters of appreciation, you can deposit them in the black mailbox, in the front of the building, of which, there are also appropriate cards there, for your usage, if desired. The next shipment is scheduled for Thanksgiving, of which, some beef Jerky and other likewise, quality products will be send, but not cheese curbs.”

While deployed, the soldiers will provide chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense in the area of operations. The unit is trained to respond to multiple hazards in the event of a CBRN or weapons-of-mass-destruction attack or threat. The least we can do is make sure they have some fun treats and letters of encouragement from home to know that Hastings has their backs.

If you would like to send a letter of support, or assist with other items, contact Dean Markuson at the Foss and Swanson Peoples Center at 507 Vermillion Street or email him [email protected]