The H2O for Troops fundraiser was led by the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and involved collecting water bottles through the month of February. The collected water bottles go to Lambert Airport for troops going through layovers.

This year, Lafayette donated 676 12 packs of water bottles. Lafayette also invited Marquette to help with this service project, which brought in another 160 12 packs for a grand total of 836 12 packs of bottled water collected this year.

“Last year we donated 174 12 packs, so [there was] nearly a 500 percent increase in donations to the Lambert International USO (United Service Organizations). A huge thank you to everyone who participated this year,” Colonel Mike Berenc, AFROTC instructor, said.

The H20 for Troops effort began as a way to show collective appreciation to the men and women who serve our country.

“They deserve to be treated with as much food and drink as they can during their layovers, and that’s what the USO is for. It’s a great way to stick to our value ‘service before self,'” Sargent Dave Cugier said.

The idea originated as a senior community service idea and the fundraiser began in 2012. AFROTC students have the responsibilities of bringing in water, informing others about the fundraiser and helping load the water into trucks when the USO will collect it.

“Part of the AFROTC honor cord for graduation requires 80 community service hours and students can receive an hour of community service credit for donating water,” Cugier said.

Other community service activities AFROTC is involved in include the Senior 5K Hero Walk and the Pasta for Pennies campaign which raises money for leukemia. Also, cadets went to St. Peter and Paul homeless shelters and provided meals. Students have participated in service activities for more than 19 years.

H2O for Troops has received much support this year. Many staff members, students and organizations have contributed, including Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

If it continues on it’s current trajectory, H20 for Troops should remain a promising and successful fundraiser for years to come.