Team Cody strives to give back to troops

A local ministry for Camp Pendleton, “Team Cody” is reaching out for assistance from the communities of Fallbrook and Temecula. Team Cody co-founder Jackie Ferguson is asking for donations and/or sponsorships for Marines who are currently returning to Camp Pendleton.

“We have over 900 local Marines returning shortly to Camp Pendleton. Many of these Marines were out on the field in Iraq. Many have back pain from carrying heavy packs; their feet are sore and swollen. One goal of Team Cody is to have massage therapists and pedicure services available to these Marines,” says Ferguson. “We would like to offer greatly discounted rates or possibly free services to these men and women.”

Team Cody, founded by Sgt. Stephen Ferguson, currently in Iraq, has been instrumental in welcoming local Marines back from deployment. Albertsons in Fallbrook has been sponsoring a hygiene drive. Large items, which are either purchased by customers or with monetary donations, supply four Marines/corpsmen per barrack.

“As Marines and corpsmen prepare to return home, they discard many of their hygiene items because of the sand that gets into everything they own. It also alleviates extra weight in their packs,” says Ferguson. Items included on the want list are: body soap, toothpaste, body lotion, shampoo, toothbrushes and double-/triple-edge disposable razors.

Gift cards are also welcomed for supplies. Sandwiches for each troop are placed in their refrigerators. Packets will be distributed on each bunk for discounted or free services and entertainment.

Local troops are also raising money via car washes to attend the Marine Corps Ball. The car washes are scheduled the same time as the hygiene drive. Each unit is scheduled a day to raise money.

Sponsorships are welcomed; $250 sponsors 10 Marines at a table or eight Marines and the couple sponsoring them, whether or not they are military.

Team Cody is also asking for donations or sponsorships from the local areas for restaurant, movie and activity passes, such as miniature golf, bowling, skating, surfing and the like, to help keep returning Marines occupied during time off instead of hanging out at local bars and clubs.

For information on car washes, the hygiene drive or sponsorships contact [email protected] or [email protected].