Its Crunch Time for Operation Give a Soldier Wings

It`s crunch time for the families of the National Guard`s 142nd Charlie Battery. They have just one week to meet their goal of raising $75,000 in order to fly their soldiers home one last time before they head to Iraq. They call it "Operation Give a Soldier Wings. The group has only been raising money for one month but organizers say come March 6th, their soldiers will be home. Lisa Reading, Family Readiness Group: "We were alittle overwhelmed, wondering if we could actually be able to do this." Now with one week left, the families can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. Reading: "It`s been tiring, but its been worthwhile. I`m convinced we`re going to do it." Between the suppers, raffles, and poker run, the goal has always been the same. Bring 150 soldiers home to spend four days of leave with their families before deploying overseas. Reading: "The thought of them leaving in March to go to Iraq for 12 to 13 months and not seeing them before they leave would be very hard. I know just personally it would be very hard." Lonny Gold, Vietnam Veteran: "Serving overseas is a different animal for sure. You`re away from everybody. Alot of times you don`t expect to ever see them again." Charlie Battery will serve as military police in Iraq. They`ve been training at Fort Dix in New Jersey since early December. The $75,000 will pay for a plane, pilots, and fuel for the ride home. The group has raised $61,000 since Sunday. On Monday they`ll receive a check for $10,000 more from the Fayetteville Community Foundation and the Walton Family Foundation. But they still need four thousand more to meet their goal. You can contribute by calling (479) 381-5882