Posted: Dec. 8, 2009

Greendale — A local resident whose stepson is serving overseas in the U.S. Air Force, in a special mission with the Army in Afghanistan, developed her own special mission to help him and others in military service enjoy the holidays.

Melissa Bychinski said she was moved by the "heart warming" community support she received for "Operation Panther," a collection of travel-sized items sent to Brennen Bychinski, a 2008 graduate of Greendale High School, and others in the service of their country.

"As any mother would, my thoughts were about getting the troops as many comforts of home as possible," Bychinski said in an e-mail. "That said, I started collecting items from the youth and high school football parents to send to him. Small items like travel size toothpaste, soap, blankets, etc. … The support I have received is very moving. It traveled quickly throughout our tight-knit community."

The efforts included collection projects by Canterbury and Highland View schools in Greendale, Whitman Elementary School in Milwaukee, and Plat Elementary in Germantown.

In addition to collecting toiletry items, Canterbury second- and third-grade Brownies made blankets and pictures for the troops, Melissa Bychinski noted.

"At Canterbury Seasons of giving, they did a collection resulting in an incredible turnout of pillows, blankets and other items," she said. "Furthermore, another Brownie troop made personalized stockings to the members of our Brennen's troop."

Highland View conducted a Halloween collection while Whitman Elementary students drew pictures and wrote letters in addition to collecting items. A similar effort at the Germantown school was tied to teacher Caitlin Campbell, a Greendale graduate.

Melissa said the family has continued to receive items.

"My husband and I were quite moved at the quality of the donations in these difficult times," she said. "There is no way to properly thank the people who spearheaded this except (to get) a visit from Brennen when he comes back from Afghanistan."