Editor's note: This story is part of an }ongoing series intended to promote volunteerism in our community. There are more than 100 programs in need of volunteers. For more information, see the Volunteer link at daily-times.com.
FARMINGTON — The way Steven Rogge tells the story, it all started with a cookie.
Steven and his wife, Diana, delivered a plate of cookies nearly two years ago to the soldiers at the military recruiting offices in Farmington.
Now the Farmington couple and their three children are well on their way to adopting every soldier on active duty.
"We went down to the recruiting office with our daughter, and we found the recruiter there all alone," Diana said. "So we took him cookies."
One plate of cookies led to a close relationship with all the recruiters and a growing affinity for the soldiers serving their country, Diana said. Fast forward two years, and the family gets together once a week to write letters, wrap packages to send overseas or visit the soldiers in the recruiting offices.
Their efforts have become a full-fledged, homegrown volunteer organization, with the center of operations in the Rogges' living room. It has gained enough attention that last week Gov. Bill Richardson and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish recognized the family for its support of the troops.
"We never really thought anything of it," Steven said. "We just sat around as a family and baked cookies. We got the whole family involved."
The Rogges represent
In fact, the intimacy of the organization — its five members all live in the same house — may add to its charm.
"I think it's fun because I get to know a lot of people," said the Rogges' 8-year-old daughter, Esther. "And we have a lot of fun making stuff together."
The homemade quality of the Rogges' efforts also contributes to the desired effect, Steven said.
"A Christmas ornament will find someone in a mud hut somewhere," he said. "They will get a package or a card from a family in Farmington, New Mexico, and know that we are thinking of them. I don't ever have to meet these people, and I don't need to. I get a lot of satisfaction out of just saying thank you."
Interest in the military began when a close family friend was deployed to Washington, D.C., for
18 months, Diana said. The Rogges assisted the soldier's family at home, repairing water lines, running errands and delivering meals.
"When a husband is gone, there are a lot of things that need to be done," she said. "We just helped them out and we learned about what it's like to have a soldier in the family."
The Rogges continued to seek service opportunities after their friend returned, and the effort proved to be one that involved the whole family.
They decorate the recruiting offices for holidays, mail handmade ornaments to soldiers serving overseas and regularly check nearly 50 Web sites dedicated to connecting civilians with soldiers.
The Rogges also network with local organizations dedicated to serving the troops, such as the Blue Star Mothers. The family works on their projects nearly every day, and its members constantly are thinking about what to do next.
"We don't have family members in the military, so this is our way to help the troops," Diana said. "We've always supported troops, and when we do this, it's our way of saying thank you."
Alysa Landry:
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