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Saints' victory parade

Two very different groups share same goal: a merry Christmas for troops

Alison Morrow     Updated: 11/2/2008 1:03:33 AM    Posted: 11/1/2008 6:55:31 PM
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The Daughters of the American Revolution and a group of Harley-riding bikers may not seem like they have anything in common.

But they do share at least one interest.

Sending Christmas care packages to US troops overseas.

For D.A.R. it's called "Project Patriot".

"It is a project to supply items of need to the severely wounded soldiers, men and women, who are airlifted to our largest military hospital outside the US. That is in Germany," said DAR Regent Nancy Webb.

For the leather-clad motorists, it's called Tennessee Helping Hearts.

"Each biker is paying $10 to ride in this run and he gets to fill out a heart with a little message on it and that heart goes inside the box to go over to the troops," said Dan Miller of Tennessee Helping Hearts.

The boxes contain similar items: toothpaste, deoderant, books, magazines.

The ladies of DAR added one small item they say is in big need.

"Socks. That seems to be a real severe shortage," said Webb.

Daily necessities that might otherwise be overlooked, since wounded soldiers only get about $250 from the Defense Department.

"That doesn't cover their needs at all. So, nationwide, the women of DAR are trying to supplement that," Webb said.

Altogether the women packed 100 boxes.

The bikers drove 200 to Sevierville where they'll be shipped off.

In just over a month, they'll be around the world.

Thanks to 2 groups with one goal.

"There is not too much that we can do for those folks who have given everything for us to be there to make sure that our freedoms are maintained and secured," said Webb.

"Probably over 80% of the guys out here today are ex-military themselves. They've been there. They know what it's like. They know what getting a package means to them," said Miller.



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