Brent Batten: DRAFT fund brings comfort to soldiers serving overseas

So, when I heard some brothers to the north could use the community's help, I decided to do what I could to get the word out.

Therefore, I'll be temporarily suspending my charitable activities on behalf of the SSCCN (Shelter for Swedish College Co-eds in Need) and the UCMF (Underprivileged Columnist Monetary Fund), in order to focus on DRAFT (Direct Relief and Assistance for Florida Troops).

Stan Nawalaniec and Mark Haney, disc jockeys for 96 K-Rock in Estero, typically spend their on-air afternoons goofing on each other and offering twisted takes on the news.

But, lately, they've crossed over from good-natured buffoonery into a realm where few of our brotherhood ever venture -- honest-to-goodness civic involvement.

They've started the DRAFT fund to bring comfort to soldiers serving overseas, primarily in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Unlike relief drives that package up deodorant and baby wipes and ship them off, the Stan and Haney fund seeks that most flexible of all relief, cash.

The idea is to give money to the families of Southwest Florida's military contingent so the families can decide what will most benefit their loved one and his/her comrades and send it along themselves.

Nawalaniec said the fund took shape as the nation debated the war in Iraq. The discussion over right and wrong seemed to overlook one thing. "Haney and I basically said, 'Hey, wait a second. Whatever your opinion, we still have our soldiers over there serving our country.' "

Since the duo began seeking candidates for assistance, they've compiled a list of more than 75 soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors.

Donations haven't been as brisk.

So far, the fund has presented $800 checks to families of three service members. A fourth presentation is planned this week. Beyond that, the future of the effort is uncertain.

Many on the list are reservists from Southwest Florida whose expected service of one weekend a month and one week in the summer has ballooned into months away from home.

While the fund hasn't reached a large number of troops, its effects are real. In an e-mail from Iraq, Chad Shadle, a fund beneficiary and Golden Gate firefighter now serving in Iraq with the National Guard wrote, "Make sure the people of S.W. Florida know that when we return, we will do something for them to show our thanks."

A few businesses have helped with the fund -- the organizers hope to attract more -- but most donations are coming from individuals.

John Lazzaro, a vice president at Wachovia, deals with the nuts and bolts of administering the fund. "We have a responsible banker handling this," Nawalaniec assures anyone who might be uneasy turning money over to a pair of career wise-acres.

Contributions can be made in person at any Wachovia branch or by sending a check to one. Just designate the money for the Stan and Haney DRAFT fund. Or, if that's too much to remember, just Stan and Haney. "We're the only Stan and Haney in the Wachovia universe," Nawalaniec said.

Donations can also be made online by visiting www.96krock.com and clicking on Stan and Haney, where you'll also find information about getting on the list for assistance.

E-mail Brent Batten at bebatten@naplesnews.com.