Eagle Scout shows support for troops in Iraq

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion 149th General Support Aviation Battalion received some unconventional support as 122 care packages came pouring in on Nov. 15. 

CPT Carisa Kimbro, Headquarters 2-149th GSAB Commander of Burleson, TX, received the packages all addressed to her.  Surprised at the number of boxes filling her office, she made some calls to find who had sent them.  CPT Kimbro contacted Lynn Geddie from Klein, TX, and was told that Lynn’s 17-year-old son, Geoffrey Geddie, was the one responsible. 

During her conversation with Lynn, CPT Kimbro learned Geoffrey is in the Boy Scouts of America, and had to complete an Eagle Scout Project to attain Eagle Scout status.  Instead of doing the traditional project of cleaning an old cemetery or building a playground, Geoffrey chose to support the American Soldiers serving in Iraq. 

“Even if you don’t agree with the war,” Geoffrey said, “the Soldiers still matter!” 

This was not the first time Geoffrey has been around the military; he grew up in a family full of former military.  His family is very supportive of those in uniform as his grandfather was once a prisoner of War. 

Geoffrey distributed 2,000 flyers, and then a week later collected the items that were donated.  With the cash collected, he shopped for the things he thought Soldiers would want: candy, lip balm, puzzle books, etc.  He brought a crew together to build the packages, and arranged postage. 

“I couldn’t believe a 17 year old could do all of this!  He dedicated a lot of his time to it, and it really shows his support for the troops,” said PFC Rajah Ello, HHC 2-159th GSAB CBRN Specialist from Little Elm, TX. “I was very thankful for what he and his family have done.” 

However, this is not the end of the story.  During the phone conversation with CPT Kimbro, Lynn brought up the hundreds of Beanie Babies that were also packaged.  These were the family collection.  Unfortunately, Lynn herself is terminally ill and the family made the decision that the Soldiers could better use the Beanie Babies here in Iraq. 

“As your Soldiers take them, realize how special these were to this family.” Lynn said.

“In addition to our own Soldiers taking them,” CPT Kimbro informed Lynn, “we would also take them to the Eastside Hospital here on the base, as well as making sure that our MEDEVAC unit C Co., 2-149TH GSAB could also get some for their aircraft when they fly kids.” 

The 2-149th GASB has flown an American flag here in Iraq to be presented to Geoffrey at his Eagle Scout Ceremony in early December.  

By SGT Edward Thorne
2-149 GSAB Unit Public Affairs Representative
15 Nov., 2008