Donations accepted April 16-27 for military care packages















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Nathan Kitzke, son of The Nebraska Medical Center’s Helen Kitzke, flies military transport planes into Baghdad. The Clinical Laboratory Professionals of UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center are sending care packages to troupes such as Nathan Kitzke.


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James Zak, nephew of UNMC’s Sandra Latshaw, is pictured with his daughters, Lauren, 3, and Maegen, 2. Zak — an Army helicopter mechanic, is currently stationed in Taji, Iraq, which is about 30 miles north of Baghdad.

In conjunction with National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (April 22-28), the Clinical Laboratory Professionals of UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center are sending care packages to military troops.

Donations will be accepted April 16-27 at drop-off locations across campus.

“I’m sure they’re happy to get anything,” said Helen Kitzke, whose son, Nathan, flies transport planes into Baghdad.

Kitzke, a quality assurance coordinator for transfusion services and transplantation services for The Nebraska Medical Center, is one of several clinical laboratory professionals who have family members serving overseas in the military.

Her son, a 26-year-old Air Force Academy graduate, is on his third four-month deployment to Kuwait since fall 2005. His squadron, expected to return to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina in July, transports people and supplies into Baghdad every other day, Kitzke said.

To help support military personnel, individuals may donate a variety of food, clothing and miscellaneous items.

Items range from beef jerky, paper and handheld games to disposable cameras, homemade cookies and notes of encouragement. (Click here to see a list of appropriate items to send)

Drop-off locations are as follows:

  • Clinical Laboratory Science Program — third floor of Clarkson Tower in pathology
  • Allied Health Professions Office — Swanson Hall, Room 3017
  • MSB (formerly UMA) path/micro office — Room 3506
  • Durham Research Center, Room 1055
  • Wittson Hall, Room 4029
  • College of Pharmacy Office

For more information, contact Janet at 559-7810 or Joan at 559-7646.