Iraq War Veteran to Lead Program in Northern Aroostook

A new coordinator for the Northern Aroostook ‘Toys for Tots’ program has been named.

The Meo Bosse Detachment 1414 Marine Corps League has named Michael Shouse, 1 SG US Army Retired, SGT Marine Corps as the new coordinator.

Shouse served two tours during the war in Iraq as part of the 4^th Infantry Division that captured Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein. Shouse will lead the program which raises funds to purchase toys for low income children at Christmas time.

The Toys for Tots program began in 1947 when the wife of a Major in the Marine Corps asked her husband to donate money to purchase toys for poor kids at Christmastime.  When he couldn't find an organization to carry out her request, she asked her husband to start a program. Since its inception, managed by the Marine Corps Reserve, the program has purchased 566 million toys and served 258 million children.

Shouse, originally from California, and his wife Sheila have two children and reside in Fort Kent. Shouse met his wife while stationed at Camp Pendleton and she brought him to the County and he is happy the family settled in the region.

“I just love the County”, said Shouse, “I was pleased to find a Marine Corps League detachment and happy to take on the ‘Toys for Tots’ program."

The Meo Bosse Detachment is raising funds to sponsor Country Music Singer, Bill Dean who will perform at the Caribou Performing Arts Center November 9^th.  All proceeds from the concert will benefit Toys for Tots.  Businesses or individuals who would like to support the Toys for Tots program should contact Michael Shouse by email at:  northernaroostooktoysfortotsprogram@gmail.com.