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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- At the North Hy-Vee in Ottumwa Saturday, the community gathered with U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack to write letters of thanks to the men and women of the U.S. Military serving overseas.

Congressman Loebsack, who has kids of his own in the U.S. Marine Corps, says that when members of the military get these letters, they are so thankful; therefore it is the least he could do to celebrate a milestone event in his congressional district.

“This is our 500^th event in the district, in Iowa, this year. So, I couldn’t think of a better way to do celebrate that then have folks put down a few well wishes for our troops that are serving for us overseas,” said Congressman Loebsack.

While KTVO was at the event, a woman from Fairfield brought and entire box of holiday cards already filled out ready to go to the troops overseas.

If you would like to be apart of the Holiday Letters to Heroes program, contact the American Red Cross here.