Help 15-Year-Old Send Care Package Gifts To Sister's Sky Soldiers

WEST NYACK, NY — Rockland County teen Trey Rolnick, whose sister is serving overseas, has launched his second annual "essential goods" gift collection to send much-needed supplies over to the troops.

Sam Rolnick is a 1st lieutenant in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, nicknamed the Sky Soldiers. Her younger brother is again raising money so he can put together care packages of toiletries and basic winter essentials, such as blankets, hats, and gloves, for the 75 or so members of the unit, who have been in the field with little access to such items.

It's called Operation Santa: Sam's Soldiers 2021, and it has a GoFundMe page for donations. The deadline is Dec. 1.

The Clarkstown resident, who so far has raised $6,492 toward his $10,000 goal, talked to Patch about his generous and ambitious project.

Patch: So this was an idea born of the pandemic. What made you decide to do it again?

Rolnick: Last year's efforts were incredibly successful. The soldiers appreciated everything and were very grateful. We were watching the news over the past year, and saw everything that was happening with our military members. We witnessed 13 servicemembers give their lives for us in the Afghanistan exit. These soldiers are mostly young adults, some are still kids. And one thing I know about kids, being one ... we love getting gifts. These soldiers need a morale boost, and they need to know that we think and care for them constantly, especially around Holiday time. Most soldiers are not fortunate enough to be able to be home with their families this time of year.

Patch: What are you changing this time and why?

Rolnick: After the responses from last year, we realized some items (i.e. blankets, protein powders, insulated hot travel mugs, all-weather terrain socks, etc) were very useful. Some of these items are not given to them, but can provide some comfort to these soldiers while out training and on deployments. We aren't entirely sure exactly what items we are getting this year, but are currently trying to figure it out with the supply chain issue. That is one of the main reasons why we had to get off to an early start this Holiday season.

Patch: How is everyone in the family doing?

Rolnick: Everyone in my family is doing pretty well. We had a wedding in April that Sam was fortunately able to attend. Having not seen her since then, I'm looking forward to seeing her soon. It's really hard not being able to see my best friend.

Patch: How is everyone doing who's deployed? Was anyone involved in the exit from Afghanistan and if so, is everyone OK?

Rolnick: As far as we know, everyone is doing very well overseas in Sam's unit. As we are not privy to that information, we don't know much about which units were deployed to assist in the exit from Afghanistan.

Patch: What kinds of donations are you asking for this year and if there are changes, why?

Rolnick: Sam's elementary school that she attended, Strawtown, is graciously once again making Christmas cards made by the older students. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity. Otherwise, we are currently accepting donations in the form of the GoFundMe page. Since each soldier will be getting the same items, we need to purchase them in bulk depending upon availability of these items. As an example, the Clarkstown South, Sam's alma mater, USO club donated a large bulk of playing cards last year that these soldiers greatly enjoyed.

Patch: When is the next time everyone is going to see each other?

Rolnick: We are planning on taking a quick trip to Italy during Thanksgiving weekend to see her. As her brother, it's very difficult knowing she's all alone overseas without any family around, so I'm super pumped to be able to see her!

As a 15-year-old, living here and having the comforts of home, it really makes me appreciate what all these young men and women do for us overseas that serve in the military. The least we can do is give them a little support from home. By making these care packages and by being able to put a smile on their faces, I've accomplished my mission to make their lives a little bit easier.

SEE:

• Help 13-Year-Old Send Care Packages To Sky Soldier
• Teen Who Raised $11K For Soldier Sister's Unit Gets Best Gift

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