The New England Caring for our Military, based in Methuen, Massachusetts, under the direction of its founder, Jim Sereigo-Wareing brought together the families of the two soldiers missing in Iraq since May 12, for a special care package drive honoring the search teams looking for the kidnapped soldiers.
Gordy Dibler, former stepfather of Pvt. Byron Fouty, arrived here in Lawrence from Michigan to assemble care packages with Ramon Jimenez, father of Specialist Alex Jimenez of Lawrence, MA and his mother Maria Duran of New York. N.E.C.F. director Wareing hopes that bringing the families together will benefit the families as they deal with issues surrounding their sons.

During their reunion at Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium on Saturday, July 21, they received calls from soldiers in Iraq, members of the Search Team, who said they are friends of both. “Were you there when he was captured?” asked Jimenez, father of Alex holding his breath. “No, unfortunately, I was at the base at that time, waiting for his return,” answered the soldier.

Another soldier called and assured the families that they have not abandoned the search. He said that he was a police reservist from Queens, NY and now a member of the Search Team. Gordy Dibler asked about his former stepson Byron Fouty: “Do you know him? “Yes,” was the soldier’s quick answer. “He is a good friend and a great soldier.” “Knowing that they are still looking for them, gives me a lot of comfort,” said Dibler.

Both parents of Alex also thanked the soldiers for their sacrifice and for the continuous search. “When you feel down is when you appreciate events like this, that is why I said that our children are not only ours anymore, they belong to all,” said Jimenez and added, “If we were alone, without the support of all of you, this would be impossible to bear.”

The ‘Search Team Appreciation Drive was initiated on Memorial Day and ended July 14. The families of both soldiers, with the help of dozens of volunteers, gathered together on July 21 at the Lawrence Veterans Memorial Stadium to assemble the more than 6 tons of donated products to ship to Iraq.

All the Soldiers from the Fourth Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, Second Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, N.Y. where their sons were assigned will receive care packages as well as other members of the search team.

For information about New England Caring for our Military, contact: Jim Sereigo Wareing, P.O. Box 2311, Methuen, MA 01844, tel 978-682-4979, cell 978-835-7464 _jim@necfom.org_ www.necfom.org.

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