Nearly six years after Vicky Rollins and other volunteers sent the first six packages to soldiers in Iraq, the First Command Package Brigade has been officially designated a charitable organization, as outlined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The First Command Package Brigade regularly provides packages to American soldiers serving around the world, filling them with snacks, candy, games, books, magazines and other comforts from home. When the organization began, a few volunteers would gather around holidays to purchase items, fill and ship packages to our nation’s soldiers. In 2009 alone, the Package Brigade will supply more than 1,000 packages to men and women serving in the United States military throughout the world.

“We’re thrilled to continue providing packages to the men and women who serve America, and we look forward to a bright future for the First Command Package Brigade,” Rollins says.

The organization receives dozens of letters and e-mails from soldiers around the globe, many of whom are surprised to receive a package from those they may have never met.

As a charitable organization, the First Command Package Brigade is a separate entity from First Command Financial Services, First Command Bank and First Command Financial Planning. But the mission of the First Command Package Brigade remains dear to many employees, Advisors and clients of First Command.

The First Command Package Brigade is a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is independent of First Command Financial Services, Inc. and its related entities.