Spirit of giving

Thanks to Bob Rhein '85 and the members of the boys' lacrosse team he coaches in York, Pa., the members of G Company in Afghanistan had a happier holiday. Through the America Supporting Americans program, Rhein and the team sent a Christmas tree and stand, decorations, ornaments and 39 stockings marked with the last name of the unmarried soldiers in the company, who aren't sent presents from spouses. The stockings were stuffed with a variety of items, including snacks, toiletries and games.

The 22 teenage lacrosse players sold car wash tickets to help fund this effort. Each of the players "adopted" several of the company's soldiers and wrote them a personal letter in thanks for their service.

Rhein sent an e-mail to Captain Aaron Selph letting him know about the package of holiday cheer he had shipped halfway across the globe to Company G. "At this time of the year, we are reminded of how important our family and friends are," he wrote. "To the soldiers serving this holiday season, we wish all of you a merry Christmas and a safe New Year."