Soldier Surprises Local Girl Scout Troop
December 24, 2009 by Taunya Marie · Leave a Comment
VIRGINIA BEACH – After 7 years of sending cookies to soldiers overseas, Girl Scout troops 436 and 568 got to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Army Specialist Andrew Dickey surprised the girls with a pizza party to thank them for their thoughtful deeds.
“They sent us cookies, the least I can do is say thank you,” said Dickey.
The girls and their parents greeted Specialist Dickey, who returned from Iraq less than 3 weeks ago, with a standing ovation. It was a proud moment for everyone.
“It shows the girls that their hard work paid off. It was heartfelt,” said one parent.
As the troops gathered around to listen, Specialist Dickey shared photos and stories about his time overseas with the group. He explained that his platoon often went days without getting supplies, and sometimes the Girl Scout cookies were all they had to eat. The girls watched in amazement.
“I thought it was great because I finally got to see a soldier in real life,” said Haley Maydak, 12.
The girls have been sending boxes of cookies, donated by customers, to the soldiers for some time. Never once did the girls give with the expectation that anyone would ever thank them personally.
“I never thought they would come back and say thank you,” said Kalah Mason, 15.
In addition to sending cookies, the girls also sent cards to the soldiers to keep their spirits lifted while being away from home. Specialist Dickey says he still has every card, which he keeps in a container at his mom’s house.
The troops presented Specialist Dickey with his very first SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) – a handmade hat, given to show friendship. SWAPS are generally given by Girl Scouts as mementos of a good time that was shared.
“I think it’s great we got to say thank you to him; I’m glad he made it back ok,” said Rebekha Shannon, 11.
The cookies were donated through a program called the Gift of Caring – a community service project where Girl Scouts choose to donate cookies to an organization, their hometown heroes, or to service men and women all over the world.
For more information on how you can participate in the Gift of Caring program, visit the Girl Scout webpage.
*This article also featured in The Beacon
