Rain doesn't stop troop support cookout

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Burgers, brats, chicken sandwiches, chips and drinks – all were a part of Saturday’s cookout benefit to support Operation U.S. Troop Support. It was the second year at My Menu for what has become an annual event.

Operation U.S. Troop Support is an initiative that sends common items to soldiers serving overseas. The most common items sent to troops are wool socks, toiletries and snacks.

Organizer Alison Mansfield said the turnout was great even though a rain storm swept through the event.  “We had drive up orders and people running around with their wet hamburgers,” said Mansfield.

The proceeds from Saturday’s benefit at My Menu, at 6425 West Jefferson Boulevard, will be used to buy and ship supplies to soldiers overseas.

With the help of many local and national organizations and individuals from across the United States, Alison Mansfield of Operation U.S. Troop Support has collected and shipped over 52,000 items to soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and injured soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center since 2007.

Last year’s event raised over $500.

While the event is over, donations are still needed.  Cash and other donations may be mailed to Operation U.S. Troop Support, Post Office Box 40125, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.