MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Deployed servicemembers had the privilege this fall of enjoying popcorn and a letter of blessings and appreciation from grateful citizens across the country.

Operation Popcorn Kernel 2 continued another year of providing troops at Al Asad, Iraq, with popcorn care packages.

"As long as Marines are deployed, we will do this," said Janine K. Koffel, den leader for Cub Scout Pack 68 and Boy Scout Troop 630.

This year, 500 individual units were sold and shipped to 14 different units in Iraq.

There was a variety of popcorn sent for the servicemembers such as microwaveable extra butter, butter light and kettle corn. Pre-popped popcorn such as caramel with peanuts and caramel with almonds and pecans was available for troops that were in the field or had no access to a microwave.

The program was organized September 2004 when scouts devised the idea of offering a chance for civilians to buy popcorn for the troops fighting in Iraq while earning a commission for the scouting programs throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.

Fourteen-year-old Star Scout Jacob Koffel suggested the idea when his father, Lt. Col. Jeffrey G. Koffel, commanding officer, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, requested his family send him some popcorn while he was in Iraq.

This sparked conversation about the idea, and it was tested at their local church, the First Congregational Church in Ramona, Calif.

According to Janine, within ten minutes of introducing the concept, 10 boxes were sold, and the letters were finished and included with the care packages.

"People really responded to the idea," said Janine, a 41-year-old native of Republic, Wash.
Upon purchase, the buyer was to include a personal letter for the servicemember to read. The letters consisted of blessings and appreciation for the sacrifices they made for their country.

One note reads, "Dear Serviceman: As I sit here looking at the beautiful flag that represents the wonderful country I live in, I can't help but think of you. I don't know you and that's what gets me. You are sacrificing so much for me, a stranger, and for so many others that you don't know. Thank you so much."