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Blount County students care about their troops and are doing their best to support them overseas.

Heritage Middle School has participated in the Hugs for Our Soldiers program for six years, said founder Kathy Orcutt. Students make troop care packages for sixth grade social studies teacher's Leigh Terry class. They pack cards, instant noodles, snacks, drink packs, first aid kits, wet wipes, medicated back patches and assorted dessert items.

"Students love it; and it's a small thing we can do for the soldiers who are protecting us everyday. I hope our students gain a sense of pride and understand the importance of helping others," Terry said.

Army officials also allowed three soldiers to visit the school while students were making packages. Sgt. Johnny Simmons, Sgt. Jay Knight and Spc. Joalice Andino-Valles of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. visited with students and talked about the importance of their packages.

The three soldiers, who left Fort Benning at 1:30 a.m. to speak with students, were enthusiastic about being able to visit students.

"Most troops don't receive letters and treats from their family and friends," Andino-Valles said. She later thanked students for participating in the program. "You guys write heartfelt stuff; and it's real special seeing you do it. I always thought kids sat down with their parents to write them. It's just nice to know you take time during school to do it."

Troops from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment -- which is also known as the "Dragon" or "Can Do" Battalion -- were deployed to Iraq for the fourth time last month.

Troops refer to their deployments by the mission name and number; and the U.S. military is currently in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 7, Knight said. Simmons has served in OIF 1, 3 and 5. Andino-Valles has served in OIF 3 and 5. Knight served in OIF 5.

Simmons, Knight and Andino-Valles are currently performing rear detachment duties at Fort Benning. Simmons is recovering from a shoulder injury; Andino-Valles recently delivered her second child, Ian; and Knight will soon be attending Officer Candidate School in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hugs for Our Soldiers is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that has been supporting U.S. troops since 2003. Many local organizations, businesses, churches and private individuals are helping this year, Orcutt said.

Carpenters Middle School students have made 200 care packages, she said. Alcoa Middle School students have made 325 packages, Orcutt said.

Local Girl Scouts have made 300 packages, she said. This Is Lisa Thomas Salon, 332 Sanderson St., Suite 3, Alcoa, and its clients have made 100 care packages, Orcutt said.

The American Legion Post, Tellico Village Retired Military Club and Rarity Bay Women's Club have also donated money, she said.