Brownie Troop #2434 with LTI DataComm Donates Cookies to the Troops
“Gift of Caring” Program Participation nets 212 Boxes to be sent to US Troops in Iraq

Sterling, VA – April 4, 2008 – As part of this year’s Girl Scout cookie fund raiser, Brownie Troop #2434 from Countryside Elementary, participated in “The Gift of Caring,” a program that provides an opportunity for customers to purchase Girl Scout cookies to donate to community causes.
“As Troop Cookie Manager, I felt it was important for the girls to participate in the Gift of Caring because it gave them the opportunity to serve their community,” said Marlo Swanson, HR director of LTI DataComm, a Veteran owned, network solutions provider to the Federal Government  headquartered in Sterling, VA.  “The Military was chosen because most of the girls have a connection to a service member directly or indirectly and they wanted to show their appreciation for the sacrifices these individuals have made in order to serve our country by giving them a “taste of home”.   

LTI DataComm and its employees supported the troop by providing donated cookies and shipping services, as well as coordinating a point of contact through PFC Jason Tong (2/4 INF, 10th MTN Division), the brother of Dave Tong, also an LTI employee and Ashburn resident. 

“Central to the mission of LTI is to serve those who serve and protect the liberties we enjoy every day,” said Karl Hantho, Great Falls resident and Director of LTI DataComm.  “Much of our workforce consists of former servicemen, or employees who are supporting family members who are serving, so we have tremendous respect for the efforts of these brave men and women. We were very excited when the girls approached us wanting to do their part to support the troops.”

The girls did a great job with their cookie fund raiser and they had the opportunity to meet with PFC Tong during a two week leave.  Deployed to Iraq last October, PFC Tong spoke with the first and 2nd graders about building schools and playgrounds for their peers in Iraq. 

“Being around the [Iraqi] children is the best part of our job,” PFC Tong told the girls. “Knowing that we are making a difference in their lives makes a lot of sense out of such a complicated place.”  PFC Tong will be returning to Iraq on April 19th for the duration of his unit’s deployment. 

“We thank PFC Tong who took the time to meet with the girls, talk about his efforts and receive the cookies on behalf of the 10th Mountain Division. It was an incredible experience,” says  Angela Greene, who with Erin Gallagher are the troop leaders.

About LTI DataComm
LTI DataComm, a certified small business, has been a supplier of network systems and services since 1981. Our focus is to bring the best products and services to the Federal Government. With proficiencies in Wireless, Video, Application Acceleration and Network Infrastructure, we integrate complimentary technologies to help bring federal communication to the next level. Our mission is accomplished through strategic partnerships, an intimate knowledge of end-user requirements, careful consideration of communication trends and deep engineering and account management talent.

Press Contact:
Angela Inguillo: 703-581-6881 / angela.inguillo@ltidata.com

###