Help is needed to support the troops

POLLOCK PINES RESIDENT Joshua Hanson packs up a package to send to his younger brother, Trevor Gregorvich, a member of the Army serving in Afghanistan. Democrat photo by Pat Dollins

POLLOCK PINES — Joshua Hansen has always watched over his younger brother, Trevor Gregorvich and continues to do so — even though Gregorvich is now in Afghanistan.

Hansen, a Pollock Pines resident, and his wife, Mary, have been sending non-perishable items to Gregorvich during his tour in Afghanistan.

Gregorvich works as a combat engineer for the Army. The 2010 Independence High School graduate joined the Army in January 2011. He was deployed to Afghanistan in February 2012.

Even though his brother is miles away Hansen still wanted to do something to support him.

“I’ve always been very close to my brother,” said Hansen, 31.

To bridge the distance Hansen decided to send a small package a month.

Magazines, protein bars, beef jerky, pastries, trail mix, energy drinks and wet wipes are some of the items the couple has sent.

Hansen pointed out that they have sent enough items so that Gregorvich’s fellow soldiers also get to enjoy things from the monthly packages. Hansen learned that some members in the platoon didn’t receive packages or letters so he likes to add extra treats.

“He gives away a lot of the stuff because some of these guys don’t have anything,” Joshua said. “They all deserve to have something.”

The couple really enjoys preparing and sending the special gifts but they also have to watch their budget. They have six children, ages 13 to a year old.  Hansen works as a truck driver and his wife cleans houses.

The cost to mail a medium size box with non-perishable items is around $80 through the United States Post Office.

To help with the project Hansen has placed baskets at various businesses around Pollock Pines and Placerville for anyone who would like to make a donation of non-perishable items.

Hansen hopes that the public will help out so that the packages can continue to be sent.

It is an important line of communication.

Hansen said he has not had that many conversations with his brother since his deployment to Afghanistan but the packages are an important link.

Gregorvich, responding through Facebook, wrote that he is more than thankful for what his older brother and sister in-law are doing for him and his platoon. He refers to his fellow soldiers as “family.”

“The platoon and I appreciate my family’s helping,” Gregorvich wrote. “It’s always stuff we need and it seems to come at the perfect time. The really cool part is all the troops come from different backgrounds; not all have the family support. So what my brother and sister in-law are doing for my family over here means a lot to us.”

Gregorvich mentioned that when military personnel receive letters and packages from family and friends, it’s like opening presents on Christmas.

“People would be surprised on how much a package or even a letter keeps us going,” Gregorvich said. “I remember when my brother first asked what we would like over here, the first thing I told him was, ‘I was the worst junk food eater in the world — send that stuff.’ We appreciate every little thing.”

Anyone wishing to donate non-perishable items can contact Hansen at 530-344-6076 or e-mail joshuarhansen@yahoo.com.

Contact Mike Bush at 530-344-5079 or mbush@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @MBushMtDemo on Twitter. 

Mike Bush

Mike Bush has been working at the Mountain Democrat since August 2011. Mike is the Sports Writer and Features Writer.

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