Cathy Belton said her family was planning to leave Oct. 28 for Columbus, MO, where her son, Matthew, 23, would be beginning his Air Force pilot training. “I think it’s just a great community effort we’re doing, sending these cards to our troops,” Belton said. “It takes on a different meaning [thi s year, with her son’s pending departure]. “I’ve been doing cards and things for the military before but now it’s really personal.” As for her son, Belton said she is not surprised at his adulthood goals. “Since he was about 8, he’s been into planes and medals and uniforms and being a patriot,” she said. “He’s probably the most determined kid I’ve ever known. He’s had his eye on the target and he just went for it.”

Cathy Belton said her family was planning to leave Oct. 28 for Columbus, MO, where her son, Matthew, 23, would be beginning his Air Force pilot training. “I think it’s just a great community effort we’re doing, sending these cards to our troops,” Belton said. “It takes on a different meaning [thi s year, with her son’s pending departure]. “I’ve been doing cards and things for the military before but now it’s really personal.” As for her son, Belton said she is not surprised at his adulthood goals. “Since he was about 8, he’s been into planes and medals and uniforms and being a patriot,” she said. “He’s probably the most determined kid I’ve ever known. He’s had his eye on the target and he just went for it.”