submitted photo-- Members of Nevada's VFW Post No. 2175 and its auxiliaries recently sent 32 packages of goods to 200 soldiers in the 35th Engineer Brigade of the Missouri Army National Guard. Above, soldiers open the packages to find the surprises inside. Master Sgt. Gary Lechman, Walker, stands with his hand on the chair, among fellow soldiers as they open the boxes.

"When you see the looks on their faces, it makes it all worthwhile," said Darlene Tweten of the VFW Post 2175 Ladies Auxiliary.

The auxiliary, along with post members and the men's auxiliary, work tirelessly to help men and women in the service and to help veterans of all ages. One of their favorite activities, Tweten says, is collecting and sending boxes full of treats and other items to the troops overseas.

It's a community effort, and the post's volunteers work with many groups and businesses to provide what they can for people in veteran's homes, in hospitals, and to help veterans get services and other things they need. During the past nine months, the group has sent 70 packages to troops overseas.

The last shipment of 32 boxes included 200 packages of pecans from Missouri Northern Pecan Growers in Nevada.