by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
Florida Coastal School of Law has begun providing welcome touches of the familiar to a group of soldiers who are far, far from home.
Planters peanuts, assorted snacks, trail mix and Oreos. DVDs, CDs and books. And smoked oysters.
The beneficiaries are the soldiers of the 50th Area Support Group, stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, along with Lt. Col. James A. Ruth, a Duval County judge.
Camp Arifjan is in the southern part of Kuwait, southwest of Kuwait City.
“I knew that Judge James Ruth had been called up by his reserve unit to go over to Iraq,” said Eric Smith, executive director of The Center for Strategic Governance and International Initiatives at FCSL. “He’s always been a friend to me and a friend to the law school.
“It occurred to me, maybe we ought to send a little cheer over there now and again.”
Ruth was notified in November that his Florida Army National Guard unit was to report to the armory in Homestead, in the southern part of Dade County. The reporting date was the Monday after Thanksgiving. He went overseas in January.
Smith learned Ruth’s overseas mailing address from the judge’s judicial assistant. The center mailed its first package about three weeks ago.
“He was thrilled to death,” Smith said. “He said some of the people in his unit don’t even get a letter from home. I told him to get me the names, and we’ll write to them.”
Ruth has about 25 years of total military service. His earlier duties included stints in the military police, quartermaster and infantry signal corps before he was assigned to the Judge Advocate General corps.
In a letter to Smith, he said his unit’s members have roots “from across the United States, Caribbean Islands, Central and South America. The lineage of these troops can be directly traced to countries such as Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru, Chile, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Haiti and Jamaica.
“As you can see, we also have an international flair.”
Smith said he wasn’t sure at first which items would be most appreciated. He quickly found out that the soldiers are grateful for anything from home.
“I figured they’d tell me what they like and what they would like more of,” Smith said. “Judge Ruth said it’s a big event when anyone gets a package from home. And they all share whatever’s in that package.”
Smith e-mailed the FCSL students about his plan to help the soldiers and got the assistance of Imani Boykin, chair of the student board. They immediately responded.
“I’ve had a couple of them say they’re spending money out of their own pocket,” said Smith. “I just think it’s another way of reaching out, not only to the judiciary but to the community and to the people who are doing what it takes to protect our democracy.”
In his letter to Smith, Ruth wrote, “Our military mission has been challenging yet intriguing. We hope and pray that our efforts will significantly contribute to our country’s efforts to rid the world of terrorism.”
The Center for Strategic Governance is eagerly accepting all nonperishable donations that will be boxed and sent to the 50th Area Support Group. Even if a DVD, CD or book is used, it will be appreciated.
“Last time, we also sent them some Beanie Weenies and some Chef Boyardee spaghetti,” Smith said. “It can be just about anything that’s not perishable. Little stuff you take for granted.”
For additional information or
to make a donation, call Smith at 680-7758.