BOOKS FOR TROOPS

Alex Gerage named Director of Comics for Books for Troops

Alex Gerage from the state of Indiana contacted me in April 2012 to inquire on how his interests and business in comics could help the troops. He offered to send us great varieties of comics to be sent to our troops. He began mailing them to Books for Troops immediately and we began to rely on him as our main source of quality comics. He then offered to send the troops the comics in our name from his Indiana home, saving the postage of sending them first to me and then to our troops. He has also added to our website with many of the pictures that have been inserted. In 2017 I asked Alex if he would be the director of comics for Books for Troops. He agreed readily and has been continuing his excellent work of providing the troops with all the comics they request. If any deployed troop or military recovering in a VA hospital would like to request comics, just e-mail your request to: [email protected]

A variety of about 80 comics will then be sent.

Alex has shown that even from a distance, you can volunteer for Books for Troops. Thanks, Alex for setting the example.

COMIC BOOKS "It was the first time he saw his patients smile." a quote from a doctor in a VA hospital after walking through his ward of injured patients from Afghanistan. He was referring to them reading comic books.

Looking for Comic Books for the Troops

Books For Troops, Inc. is continuing to look for donations of comic books to send to our troops overseas. The comics must be in decent condition and may be dropped off at any of our book donation locations (click on the "Book Drop-Office Locations" at the top of the page for locations). Be sure to put the comics in a protective bag and write “comics” on it. For large donations, email [email protected] for instructions.

No comics to donate? You can help by sending a donation of $16.50 so we can mail out the comics to the troops. Send a check or money order to Books For Troops, Inc., 152 Oak Brook Commons, Clifton Park, NY 12065-2677.

That the comics are truly appreciated can't be said better than in the words of the troops: Here are excerpts from grateful troops:

"I have read comics all my life and they have been a big part of my life since childhood. It is nice to read stories about super-heroes in print, but it is an honor to real life super heroes in action saving lives everyday in Afghanistan." Rob

"I decided to ask for comics because it was a medium that tied our team together." Smith

"The note about sending us comics has all the troops in D Co. astir, we are a big comic loving group here," and

are looking forward to the escape they'll give us." Matt

"This note is for Books for Troops and the amazing care package they put together for this soldier...I just received a care package full of comic books and graphic novels...You have hit the biggest home run in care packages. You packed that box as if you have known me for years. My most heartfelt gratitude to you for making home seem not quite so far away. ...Your efforts have made all the difference in the world to me. " A medic in Afghanistan

From C.F. ,USMC

I'd love to shake your hamd and thank you personally one day. You have no idea how much a comic in a soldier's hand can mean after a tough day on patrol or duty. You would not believe the smailes that appeared when Thor or the Walking Dead or Jonah Hex came out of one of your magnificent boxes of well-chosen comics. Keep doing what you are doing. I promise you, you are making a big difference. Best, C.F. USMC

From M.M.CM Sgt.USA

On behalf of all the men, women, Soldiers,Sailors, and Airmen of the Combined Joint Special Operation Air Component...thank you for your selfless generosity and genuine care of our Air Commands. We will read and reread the many books and comics sent to us from your loving hearts and minds. Your contributions delight in moments of stress, calm in times of chaos and diversion during periods of downtime. We salute you. M.M> CMSgt. USAF

From Cpt. D.H.

I just wanted to send you a quick note to express appreciation for the kind gifts of books, magazines, comics and love packaged into the care boxes we received. Your donations bring smiles to the faces of many and hours of distraction and relaxation.

Here in Kosovo, we also work closely with soldiers from many other countries. They are often amazed by the ourpour of support from the public. It makes me proud to come from such a great place with great people such as yourself and the many volunteers. Please continue to create wonderful care packages and pass along smiles. Thank you for your kindness and support. CPT. N.H.

Message from K.H. Task Force Steel, Kandahar Air Force

First and foremost I would like to thank you for your support. IWant to let you know how much we really appreciate the generosity and support we received from back home. It really means a lot to all the Soldier's here. Each and every package we have received from you is very much appreciated; it brings a sense of home to the Soldiers here and has helped with the missions we have had. We really appreciated the care package of comic books. I would have liked to thank you sooner, but with our constant movement around Afghanistan, it's been quiterdifficulat. However< I have the time and capability now to let you know what a difference you have made. Thank you again for all your support." K. H. Task Force Steel

Message from C.F.USMC

I'd love to shake your hand and thank you personally one day. You have no idea how much a comic in a soldier's hand can mean after a rough day on patrol or duty. You would not believe the smiles that appeared when Thor or the Walking Dead or Jonah Hex came out of one of your magnificent boxes of well-chosen comics. Keep doing what you are doing. I promise you, you are making a huge difference.

Best,

C.F., USMC

Message from Semper Fidelis, Cpl C.A. USMC

Books for Troops,

My Marines and I have recently received the two boxes of comics donated to my unit we thank you for your donations. One of my Marines loves comics and grabbed about half the box and took them back to the living area. He seems very pleased with the selection you sent us (and knowing him that is very hard to do.) the rest of the comics have been put in our common area and I have seen a few of the Marines reading them. I would like to again thank you for your contribution to my unit. I have also attached a picture of some of my Marines to this e-mail.

Semper Fidelis,

Cpl C.A.

USMC