Thank you Main Line Media news and the Main Line Times for always supporting the volunteer efforts of the community!

It is the nicest form of validation when people believe in you and what you and your friends are doing. It is a total thrill and a great honor to be recognized by the United States Congress.

But seriously, Lower Merion can't buy this kind of good publicity...I have to laugh at the irony of it all, you know? I speak out and get lambasted by the Reedites the past couple of weeks. And then what happens? This. I am still not holding my breath that Lower Merion will get the joke. Or should I say I won't hold my breath that some in Lower Merion will get the joke. As you know while many local non-profits get in essence grant money from Lower Merion, First Friday has received to date none of that. And while Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts (which is NOT a non profit) gets put under the protective umbrella of Lower Merion Township and Parks & Rec, First Friday goes it alone. So I really love it when people recognize how hard all the volunteers of First Friday work to keep the magic happening. Especially Sherry Tillman. She is amazing.

Main Line Suburban Life > News
Congressman wants to honor Operation Angel Wings volunteers
Published: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
By Richard Ilgenfritz

An Army doctor and a group of volunteers are being recognized for their efforts to bring smiles to the people of Afghanistan who have been besieged by war and upheaval for the past 30 years.

Congressman Jim Gerlach recently introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize those involved with the development of a program called Operation Angel Wings.

The program is a joint effort between soldiers and residents in which warm clothing and other comforts are collected then shipped to Afghanistan to be distributed by American soldiers as a goodwill effort.

“The purpose was to assist the soldiers in developing relationships with Afghanis at the village level and as a means of exerting soft power in the struggle over the loyalty of the population,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Marx, a doctor and Army reservist who helped organize the program while he was in Afghanistan last year. One of the major missions of the unit to which he was attached was to help the local population stand with the American-led Coalition against the Taliban.

Marx said he believes the program has been a big success.

“I think that the Afghanis realize that when they see warm clothing that they know is coming from everyday people in America – this is something you just didn’t get from the Russians. It’s a way of demonstrating that Americans are different in the kind of commitment that we bring,” Marx said.

Last week Gerlach introduced House Resolution 1045 recognizing First Friday Main Line, its executive director, Sherry Tillman, and its publicist, Carla Zambelli, for launching the program. The resolution also recognizes Marx for both his service in Afghanistan and his efforts to help the United States troops connect with Afghan children and promote future peace. Finally, the resolution congratulates the First Friday Main Line staff, volunteers and the Lower Merion community for their support of the program.

“I think Operation Angel Wings succeeds way more than anyone thought it would,” Marx said.

According to Marx, the elders of one of the largest tribes in the region, the Shinwari of some 400,000, voted to work with the Coalition and against the Taliban on Marx’s last day in Afghanistan. Before the Coalition forces came, the area from where Marx and his unit were operating was known as a stronghold for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Back then the world’s most notorious terrorist had an office about 300 yards from where Marx was working.

“A big part of the effort of the 108th Cavalry was to protect the population and to influence the population to ally itself with the Coalition. The role of Operation Angel Wings was a part of the effort. You have to say it was a spectacular success,” Marx said.

Operation Angel Wings came out of e-mail discussions Marx had with Tillman, owner of Past*Present*Future, a store on Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore.

Marx, who lives in Broomall and has been a frequent shopper at Tillman’s store, told her about how little the children in Afghanistan had. She then, with the help of others such as Zambelli, launched the collection effort late last year that continues.

Tuesday, Tillman said she shipped out another 20 boxes last week and has shipped more than 200 large boxes of items since the effort began.

Those in Congress didn’t miss the effort of those involved in Operation Angel Wings.

“The lives of countless Afghan children will be a little brighter because of the tremendous compassion, creativity and community spirit of residents, businesses, artists and all those who helped launch Operation Angel Wings in November,” Gerlach said in a statement this week. “First Friday Main Line has demonstrated its great commitment to strengthening the bond between neighbors in Lower Merion as well as making a difference in the lives of strangers on the other side of the globe.

“Further, the courageous decision by Lt. Col. Marx to leave his job, family and friends behind to serve our nation in Afghanistan would be inspiring enough. But the outstanding work he has done helping our men and women in uniform win not only this war, but the hearts of Afghan children, is exceptional. And that’s why I am delighted to recognize the hard work of Lt. Col. Marx, First Friday Main Line executive director Sherry Tillman, its publicist, Carla Zambelli, and everyone who has contributed to the success of Operation Angel Wings.”

Gerlach is expected to attend tomorrow’s First Friday activities. Although Tillman was unsure of the details, they will likely have at least a small ceremony recognizing Gerlach’s resolution.

Although Marx is now home from the war zone, he has introduced Tillman to his replacement who will continue the program in Afghanistan.

Tillman said as long as people continue to donate items, she will continue sending them.

Although much of what has been sent over thus far has been warm clothing for adults and children and toys for children, lighter-weight clothing for warmer temperatures is also suggested.

For more information on the program or for items that can be donated, go to the Web site for First Friday Main Line at www.firstfridaymainline.com.

HR RES 1045 January 27, 2010