Aggie-run nonprofit HeroBox partnered with the Texas A&M chapter of the Student Veterans of American to host a HeroDay event. HeroDay events support deployed units as a group. Together, the two organizations collected items for and packed 40 care packages that have been sent to three different units currently serving overseas. Volunteers at the October 3 event included five student veterans who had all been deployed themselves and BG Joe E. Ramirez, Jr. '79, USA (Ret.), Vice President for Student Affairs.

As the group packed the 40 drawstring backpacks with snacks and other goodies, they swapped tales of their least favorite and favorite deployments and chatted about how much care packages like these meant to them while they were away from home.

“This partnership is a natural fit for the SVA of Texas A&M, mainly because we have a long, rich, proud military tradition,” Ramirez said.  “Many Aggies have served over the last 148 years and we've been in existence so it’s a natural thing for us to want to support soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, coast Guardsmen that are deployed right now because many of us have been there ourselves.”

HeroBox, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowers sponsors to make a difference in the lives of deployed service members with simplicity and heart. Sponsors register and create a profile on the organization’s website, effortlessly purchasing complete shipping labels to send personalized care packages. Beyond individual acts, HeroBox also equips volunteers to host HeroDay events for collective support. HeroBox not only provides a way to send a box but also offers ongoing communication and connection via messaging features. HeroBox fosters relationships that lets heroes know they are not alone.