For Immediate Release:
April 22, 2003

Contact Information:
Monique Bond
773-686-3700/312-839-3194

THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM ASSISTS FAMILY MEMBERS IN PREPARING CARE PACKAGES FOR U. S. MILITARY TROOPS

Aviation Employees Called to Duty In the Middle East

Chicago- April 22, 2003 B Department of Aviation employees are donating care package items this week to send to co-workers and family members called to serve in the Middle East.

"We have received inquires form Department of Aviation employees asking how they can help support the troops," said Aviation Commissioner Thomas R. Walker. "Five Department of Aviation employees are currently on military leave, and many employees have family members overseas. We thought it would be a good idea to send packages that will help our brave troops and show that we appreciate their sacrifices," added Walker.

Employees are invited to donate items such as lip balm, sunscreen, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, and insect repellant. Collections of these items are being accepted at O'Hare and Midway airport through Friday, April 25th.

Donations cannot be sent directly to the troops due to assignments at classified locations. The Department of Aviation collections will be distributed to families of service members. The families will send the packages to their loved ones