In September, Urban gathered a collection of healthcare products and other goodies to send to our troops in Iraq (See In the News from September 2005: “Urban sends support to Iraq.”) The drive was sponsored by the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). Receipt of an e-mail from George Cressman, a Major in the National Guard serving in Iraq, confirms that the package has been received and that the contents are appreciated.

A professional at Vollmer Associates, Cressman said, “We are so appreciative with all the SAME support,” Cressman said. “My soldiers and I truly appreciate all your support and we couldn’t do it without you at home!”

“Thank you very much and please tell your staff that the items are much appreciated and are going to good use! We were overwhelmed by the response from Urban Engineers and SAME as a whole, which truly shows the character of organizations like Urban Engineers, USACE, Vollmer Associates and others as well as the SAME organization itself.”

Among the items Urban employees donated were phone cards totaling more than 5,000 minutes; three boxes of stuffed animals and Beanie Babies; 24 toothbrushes and accompanying toothpaste and mouth wash; 20 bags/boxes of various candy and gum; more than 30 magazines; deodorant and soap; dozens of pairs of socks; various other foot powders and foot-care products; Q-Tips; razor blades and shaving cream; eye drops; aspirin; Chap Stick; and camouflage bandanas.