Operation Pioneer Spirit ending 11-year run

Eleven years ago, a special lady realized a need and committed herself to a cause.

Mary Anne Potter organized Operation Pioneer Spirit, a group of volunteers who spent thousands of hours collecting, packaging and mailing “Care Packages” to our troops in hostile areas.

Potter learned of the need for basic necessities when her son and daughter were deployed to Iraq. Many items such as toiletries, pillows, snacks and magazines were simply not available. An unexpected gift from home was a valuable morale booster for those going in harm’s way.

Over 15,000 packages, 1,000 patriotic pillows, 30,000 prepaid phone cards, 1,400 afghans, socks, candy, snacks, board games, letters, thousands of airline miles and countless other items have been sent overseas. This was accomplished by a group of volunteers from church groups, students, scouts, veterans and patriots who were recruited by Potter for this monumental task.

Thankfully, yet sadly, Operation Pioneer Spirit will cease operations this fall. The need has been met, the troops are coming home. There are no more boxes needed.

VFW Post 1201 in Ponca City wishes to honor the hard work and contributions of Potter and her staff for all they have done for our troops. At 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, a reception will be held at the VFW Post at 2821 East Prospect in Ponca City.

All volunteers, donors and recipients of Pioneer Spirit gifts are urged to attend. Those who cannot attend may forward their comments to Gary Miles, 8 Fawn Lane, Ponca City OK 74604 or email to [email protected]. The messages will be compiled and presented to Potter at the reception.

For more information, contact Gary Miles, VFW Sr. Vice Commander at (580) 761-2431.