Cleveland High School freshman and Naval Sea Cadet Kaylee Marie Radzyminski said she wanted to find a way to show her support for the troops, so she started a project called “Tunes 4 the Troops.”
Kaylee said her inspiration for the project came when she heard several soldiers who were formerly stationed in Iraq comment that there is no entertainment for troops, so she began collecting used CDs, DVDs and books on CD to send overseas.
During Thanksgiving, Kaylee took hundreds of DVDs and CDs to soldiers recovering in Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Hospital. She said the soldiers were excited and grateful for the project.
Her next delivery will be presented on Jan. 17 at the Navy League dinner and will go to the crew of the USS Tennessee submarine. She is also preparing her first shipments to combat zones in Iraq. Each shipment consists of about 200-250 CDs and DVDs.
Kaylee said her goal is to send 500,000 CDs and DVDs to troops by Christmas 2008. She also hopes that the project will become a national project. “It’s not about supporting or opposing the war but about supporting the troops,” she says.
Tunes 4 the Troops is partnered with America Supports You.
The Tennessee Titans recently presented Kaylee with the Junior Quarterback Community Service Award.
She received a grant that she is using to pay shipping expenses.
CD, books on CD and DVD donations can be made at area drop-off locations including the Navy Marine Corp Reserve Center and Navy recruiting offices located on Lee Highway and 25th Street in Cleveland.
Kaylee said monetary donations are also accepted for shipping expenses.
For more information visit to the website at www.tunes4thetroops.20m.com or email further questions to tunes4thetroops@hotmail.com.
Kaylee’s mother, Stephanie Radzyminski, said donations are already being received from all over the country.