Washington, D.C. - Congressman Howard L. Berman (CA-28) has launched an effort to bring members of the Delta Company of the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, who are based out of the Encino Armed Forces Reserve Center, a piece of home during this upcoming Holiday Season.  The Congressman has asked local school children to write holiday messages to the troops that he will send in time for the holidays, along with calling cards donated by the USO, to the soldiers in the 425th currently deployed in Afghanistan.
 
“Everyday our servicemembers defend our countr y with honor and distinction, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Congressman Berman.  “This December, twenty-eight Encino-based soldiers will be spending the holidays stationed in Afghanistan away from their families, friends, and our community.  I am pleased so many local students are joining me in honoring these dedicated members of the 425th by sending them a piece of home for the holidays.”
 
Congressman Berman has reached out to the principals at elementary schools across the San Fernando Valley to ask if their students will help give our local reservists a piece of home for the holidays by writing holiday messages to the troops.  With more than 20 schools participating in the effort, Congressman Berman will be able to send hundreds of holiday messages to the Delta Company members of the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion currently serving in Afghanistan.
 
In addition to the holiday messages from local school children, Congressman Berman will also be sending calling cards provided by the USO.  These cards will help our local servicemembers speak with their loved ones back home during the holidays.
 
Congressman Berman will visit Hesby Oaks School in Encino on Tuesday, November 8th to personally pick up the holiday messages and thank the students for honoring our troops and helping to give them a piece of home for the holidays.
 

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