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Guardians of freedom get guardian angels

Isabella Ludergnani, 6, wraps presents for Operation Healing Angels. The holiday themed charity seeks to comfort members of the armed services that are stationed overseas. Most people respect and admire the soldiers currently stationed in Iraq whether they support the current administration's war on terror or not.

One resident has dedicated countless amounts of energy to caring for a particular group of heroes in Iraq-wounded soldiers and those who provide them with medical care. Alessandra Kellerman moved to Gulf Breeze several years ago and brought more than her family with her.

Kellerman began an organization called Homefront Hugs USA back in Pennsylvania to care for the families of 9/11 victims. The organization quickly expanded its mission to include the families of soldiers stationed overseas. Her organization now includes a new effort dedicated to comforting wounded servicemen and women and the doctors and nurses that care for them.

"It just started last year and we call it Operation Healing Angels," Kellerman said. "We send letters, cards, blankets, DVDs, music and basically anything that can help make them more comfortable."

Operation Healing Angels is unlike most relief and support groups in that it includes some people who are not members of the U.S. Military Forces.

"I wanted to not just support the wounded troops," Kellerman said. "Because the people that take care of themdoctors, nurses and staff-are also away from home and in need of support."

This support is greatly appreciated by the unfortunate wounded soldiers that are not able to be shipped out of the combat zone immediately. Imagine how welcome a deck of cards or a DVD player and a few movies would be if you were stuck in a hospital in Iraq for several months, Kellerman added.

Kellerman stated that people have been instructed not to send anything to wounded soldiers, and many of the hospitals are secure locations that cannot be found by family members, or anyone, trying to send packages to wounded troops.

Another problem most people have encountered when trying to send packages to soldiers is the extremely high shipping rates, which can be as much as $20 or $30. Healing Angel can secure a flat rate shipping package for $8.95 and will stuff in as many items as will fit.

The participation in Operation Healing Angel has been nothing short of amazing, and the supporters are of all ages. Local involvement includes children from Mrs. Knight's third grade class at Oriole Beach Elementary, a local attorney that made a $1,500 donation to help the organization become a nonprofit and even a Gulf Breeze High School varsity soccer star, Jack Begley.

Operation Healing Angel recently adopted the largest hospital in Iraq, so there are plenty of people there that need our support. Join forces with Operation Healing Angel. Emails should be sent to homefronthugsusa@ aol.com, and items to be shipped can be sent to Operation Healing Angel, 1449 Tiger Lake Drive, Gulf Breeze, Fla., 32563. For more information about the organization, visit the website at www.homefronthugs.com or call them at 412-498-3855.