Troops receive early Christmas present

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Kelvin Carter, who is currently assigned to the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan at Camp Mike Spann, makes a call to his family in Houston Aug. 15 using a donated American Red Cross calling card. "I'm not exactly sure who will read this," said Carter, "but just know that we Soldiers are appreciative of everything given to us. It's something about a package in the mail or a letter that will totally change a soldier's mood." Earlier this month, the Collier County Chapter of the American Red Cross sent a total of $7,500 worth of 500-minute phone cards to service members assigned to Camp Mike Spann. Carter is currently serving a nine-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and will return to his permanent duty station at the 4005th U.S. Army Hospital in Houston upon completion of this tour.