Soldier thanks Odessa

A handshake from a wounded soldier in Afghanistan started a secondary mission for U.S. Army Sgt. Clayton Daniel Cherry.

The 25-year-old intelligence analyst visited Odessa this week to explain the heavy-duty operation and thank several churches and civic organizations for their support in getting it done. On Thursday afternoon, he spoke at the Downtown Odessa Lion's Club.

In 2006, Cherry started distribution of "Wounded Warrior Bags" to soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was stationed. His mother, Odessa realtor Diane Cherry, raised funds and handled shipments from the home front for the duffel bags filled with clothes, hygiene kits, quality razors, normal-size toiletries, books and letters of encouragement.

From December '06 to March '08, about 109,000 pounds of care packages were shipped to Daniel Cherry overseas - about 35,000 pounds came from the Odessa-Midland area, he said.

"The Army provides for all of our needs very well, but the only thing they can't take care of is love, and that's where these come in," he said. "To feel that love and the comforts of home is absolutely fantastic."

Even though he worked 12- to 16-hour nights for the Army, Daniel Cherry said he spent his days delivering gifts sent to the troops - a variety of goods ranging from pingpong balls to plasma-screen TVs.

"I was really excited to be able to see the soldiers' and children's faces," he said. "All I did was open and distribute boxes - I had the easiest part, but I got to see the best part."

His 45-year-old mother, who attends Asbury United Methodist Church, said she was proud of her son's compassion and began telling everyone she could about "Wounded Warrior Bags."

"I started to support Daniel in what he was doing so I would feel closer to him while he was overseas," she said. "I know there's nothing that I can do about the war, but this is something that I can do that has a positive result."

While Daniel Cherry's enjoying time with his wife and three daughters - he'll be stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma - he said he's willing to return to Iraq voluntarily.

Until that time comes, Daniel Cherry said he's traveling to express gratitude for the tangible troop support.

"The very least I can do is come down and shake some hands and say thank you," he said.

WANT TO HELP?

>> Monetary donations and supplies for the "Wounded Warrior Bags" can be dropped off at Asbury United Methodist Church, 4001 E. University Blvd.

>> Call Diane Cherry at 230-9455.