A call from a soldier serving overseas may be summed up in one
word – priceless.

And all it takes for someone here in Bradford to help in that
effort is an old cell phone or inkjet cartridge.

A group called Operation Salute is gathering the phones and
cartridges which are then sent to a company that recycles the
phones. Money gleaned from that is then used to purchase calling
cards for the troops to use.

“My goal is to get thousands,” said Dawn McGriff, one of the
organizers. McGriff’s son John has been in Afghanistan with the
173rd Airbourne since May 19.

As a mother of someone who is fighting in a war zone, McGriff
knows exactly what it’s like to receive that call.

“It’s all emotional,” she said. “It’s a relief. I she OK … It’s
just a present.

“Just to hear his voice … its comforting.”

For his sisters, a call mean something else – excitement,
McGriff said, adding they get tears in their eyes when it’s time to
say good-bye.

Last year, the group set up an effort to send air mattresses
over because the soldiers were sleeping on cardboard.

“They don’t have running water,” McGriff said, adding that early
effort has given her a chance to know the others in her son’s unit
and care for them, too.

“We adopted the whole troop.”

Knowing the people serving with her son has added a personal
touch.

“I can see what it’s like for them,” she said of the soldiers.
“And I know what it’s like for me to receive a call from my
son.”

But McGriff is not alone.

Steve Jones, a member of the 1/112th, suggested the name
Operation Salute and will be deployed soon.

Bonnie and Jason Abrams’ daughter Samantha served in Iraq; Sandy
Pietras’ son and daughter-in-law also served in Iraq; Debi Bigley’s
future son-in-law as well as Sherrie Mead’s husband and son will
soon be deployed with the 1/112th.

The group also plans on having a dice run this summer as well as
has sent love packages.

“What better way to show support and love,” she said, adding
there are some soldiers who don’t have families. “We are all they
have.”

And supporting the troops is what their mission is all
about.

“What these guys doing are awesome.”

Those interested in donating to the cause can contact McGriff or
drop off their items at the Vets Club at 94 Barbour St. or at KOA
Speer.

There’s also a group for those who have loved ones serving
overseas or about to be deployed.

The Family Readiness Group was formed by Mead, Amy Smiley and
Kelley Sadosky as a support system.

Anyone is welcome to join.