'Angels' organization supports Marines deployed overseas
BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE - Melanie L. Joseph, wife of U.S. Marine Cpl. Brian Kevin Joseph, has created a nonprofit organization, USMCangels, which she hopes will provide support to all U.S. Marine soldiers and their families.

Joseph, of Fords, said she was inspired to create such an organization when her husband, who is part of G Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, based at the Picatinny Arsenal in northern New Jersey, was deployed for his first tour in Iraq on May 27.

"I read somewhere that the soldiers don't see the ribbons on people's cars or the flags on people's porches, but they can hold that letter of support in their hands and read your words," she said. "Through my own knowledge and experiences, I hope to be able to provide comfort and support to all who need it."

Joseph's husband is currently at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., for training in preparation for a deployment to Iraq in the fall.

"He's expected to come home this Wednesday [July 23] for a six-day final leave before they are deployed out of California," said Joseph. "The kids are estatic and so am I … we just plan on relaxing at home … something he won't be able to do for another year."

Joseph has incorporated the help of her four children, Gabriella, 13, Alexander, 9, Adelina, 7, and Samayah, 18 months.

"I have created a number of programs within USMCangels, such as the Penpal Angels program, which Gabriella has volunteered to be in charge of … the program involves high school students showing their gratitude for the soldiers serving overseas," she said. "Alexander and Adelina are in charge of the Angel Artwork program, which basically means they along with their friends or classmates draw great pictures for the troops to say 'thank you.' "

Joseph said the program also involves sending care packages, which includes basic necessities such as wipes, mouthwash, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, tuna, and more, to U.S. Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I sent my first package to a soldier in Iraq last week," she said. "I'm getting ready to send out three more … one to Iraq and two to Afghanistan."

Joseph said that through the organization, she would like to also help out the soldiers' girlfriends, fiancées, and wives who might be expecting a child when the soldiers are away.

Other programs include the "Hoorah Birthday" program that brings some joy to soldiers who are far away from home on their birthdays.

"There is a lot involved in this program, but I am determined to make this a success … not for myself, but for the soldiers who are far away from home and who just need our support," said Joseph. "I don't want to be a cheerleader, I want to make a difference."

The nonprofit organization runs on sponsors and donations.

People can drop off donations in a receptacle at town hall or can make donations to USMCangels, 20 Liberty St., Fords, NJ 08863.

For more information visit www.USMCangels.com or e-mail USMCangels@ yahoo.com.