Operation: Care Package is a charity project launched by Stephen Filby, a sophomore majoring in computer science with a minor in music. Filby, a veteran of the United States Navy, launched the project to support the crew of the USS Gonzalez, a guided missile destroyer that he served on during his time in the Navy, which was recently deployed out to sea once again.
Filby served in the Navy for exactly five years, from April of 2020 until April of 2025, and was aboard the Gonzalez starting in 2022. During that time, he made a lot of close allies, some of whom he plans on sending a personal care package of his own to. However, he knows the rest of the crew may be newcomers to deployment or may not have anyone to look after them, so he wants everyone aboard to know there are people who care for them and hope for their safety.
“It’s something I feel needs to be done because of the climate we’re in right now,” explains Filby on why he chose to launch Operation: Care Package. “This deployment is going to be ten times different—and harder—than the one I went on in 2022. A lot of the people on that ship have never been on a deployment before; they don’t know what it’s going to be like.”
Filby is calling on both Pittsburg State’s campus and the Pittsburg community as a whole to assist with donating items, which will be placed into packages to ship overseas. Some of the clubs Filby is a member of, including the Student Veterans Organization, have offered to chip in, as well as fraternities, sororities, and honors societies.
In terms of donations, Filby is asking that the community contribute a variety of foods, toiletries, and objects that could serve as morale boosts to the crew aboard the U.S.S. Gonzalez. Foods and drinks that are accepted include, but are not limited to, water enhancers, such as Liquid I.V., Mio, or Stur, as well as non-perishable food items like beef jerky variety packs, microwavable rice, or other items. Acceptable toiletries include disposable or cartridge-type razors and razor blades, travel-sized toiletries like deodorant and toothpaste, and hand degreaser. Donors are also encouraged to write letters for the crew, letting them know of their support. These can be handmade, or store-bought. The bookstore in the Overman Student Center also has cards and postcards to write on.
There are certain items that cannot be accepted, however. No wipes of any kind can be accepted, as they will damage the plumbing on the ship. Pressurized products and aerosols like Barbasol, as well as alcohol-based products, are also prohibited as they are fire hazards.
Operation: Care Package will officially commence on April 1, with donations being accepted until April 31. Donation boxes will be placed around campus, namely in the Student Government Association’s office, the Campus Activity Center’s office, the Gorilla Geeks office, and the Axe Library.
“Right now, the Boatswain’s Mates and Lookouts have to be on their toes because they don’t know what’s coming for them. And my fellow Snipes down in engineering—they have to run that plant at 100% all the time,” claimed Filby. “Every generator and every engine have to be ready to go at a moment’s notice to keep everyone alive. You don’t have to support war, but you can still support the military. These sailors are under immense pressure, and they deserve to know we have their backs.”