Washington, D.C. - Congressman Howard L. Berman (CA-28) has sent more than 3,000 holiday messages from students across the San Fernando Valley to local troops serving in Afghanistan.  The 28 members of the Delta Company of the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, who are based out of the Encino Armed Forces Reserve Center, will receive this piece of home in time for the December holidays.  Also included with the holiday messages are calling cards donated by the USO for the soldiers to use when calling home. 
 
“The holiday messages I collected from San Fernando Valley students are filled with words of support, gratitude, and encouragement for our local soldiers,” said Congressman Berman.  “I was moved by the outpouring of support shown by our community, and I know the soldiers will be too.  We are sending a clear message to the members of the 425th: Even though you are miles away, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.”
 
“When I first reached out to our local schools, I was hoping enough schools would participate so we could send a few hundred letters.  I am happy to report today that we are sending thousands of letters!  In fact, I had to use 19 boxes to ship all of them,” added Congressman Berman.
 
In October, Congressman Berman reached out to the principals at elementary schools across the San Fernando Valley to ask if their students would help send our local soldiers a piece of home for the holidays by writing holiday messages to the troops.  The response was outstanding, and more than 25 schools participated in this effort.
 
In addition to the holiday messages from local students, Congressman Berman sent calling cards provided by the USO.  These cards will help our local servicemembers speak with their loved ones back home during the holidays.
 

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