My Son in Iraq

rfranzosa · Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:06 pm Post subject: My Son in Iraq

To all my friends at Valleypass,

My son Ben has been in Iraq with the Army since mid July. He is a 2Lt with an MP unit.

Before he left, he promised a returning officer that he would continue a program that this officer had started. This program is called 'Operation Soccer Ball'. People back home donate soccer balls (or money for soccerballs) and Ben's platoon gives them to Iraqi children. It helps the children in the healing process, gets their minds off of war and on playing.

The website is http://www.operationsoccerball.org. Check it out and post or PM me if you have questions. If you can contribute, that would be great.

We are very proud of Ben and what he is doing to serve his country.

Rick

rfranzosa · Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 10:24 am Post subject:

Update:

As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you guys for your support of Ben's cause. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in November and is now the exec officer for the 543rd. He has distributed 400-500 soccer balls so far. That's Ben in the picure below, making a new friend!

Rick
www.operationsoccerball.org

rfranzosa · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2010 12:27 pm Post subject: Update - Ben and OSB

Hi Everyone,

Last Wednesday morning (after waiting for the volcanic ash to clear), my son returned from Iraq. Ben's goal was to distribute 1,000 soccer balls while in Iraq. Thanks to your help, Ben will end his deployment having distributed over 2,500!!

Thanks to all who helped with Operation Soccer Ball.

It's great to have him home.

Proud Army Dad.

pensfan17 · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 22 Location: Lansing, MI.

Welcome home Ben! Your service to this country is much appreciated.

From a former Army Lt. (1988-1992)

Al