By Cindy Schroeder
Enquirer staff writer

ERLANGER - Two Northern Kentucky cities soon might join a growing number of communities in 22 states that are adopting military units serving overseas.

Through the America Serving Americans program, Erlanger will adopt a 200-member Marine battalion from Kentucky that's now in Iraq. Erlanger City Council is expected to approve the project Sept. 21.

Cold Spring Mayor Mark Stoeber also plans to discuss possibly joining the program at council's informal caucus meeting Sept. 13.

"The purpose of the adoption program is to bond American communities with military men and women and provide moral support," said Kathy Cahill, Erlanger's parks and recreation and community development coordinator.

Once it officially adopts a unit, Erlanger will receive details on the Kentucky-based H&S Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd BN Group, 1st Marine Division and its needs, Cahill said. According to the America Serving Americans Web site, suggested care package items can include such things as travel-sized toiletries; disposable cameras; and non-perishable foods, including Life Savers, dried fruit and instant coffee.

"I'd like to get everyone involved - businesses, schools, churches, Boy Scouts and community groups like Kiwanis and Lions Clubs," Cahill said. "Some of these soldiers don't have anyone to send them anything."

The nonprofit America Serving Americans started in 1968 when Linda Patterson's brother, Joe, wrote to her and asked if she could have her city of San Mateo, Calif., where she lived at the time, adopt some of his fellow troops because they weren't receiving any mail from home. Two weeks after that request, Joe, 19, who was excited to have his fellow troops adopted, was killed in an ambush, Patterson said.

After Vietnam, America Serving Americans went on hiatus until the Gulf War.

"It's been a real tribute to Joe," Patterson said. "He didn't reap any of the benefits, but I'm sure he's looking down with a smile."

Erlanger and Cold Spring officials learned of the program from Alexandria City Council Member John Stein, who is its Kentucky representative.

In February 2003, Alexandria adopted Charlie Battery 2-44 Air Defense Artillery Unit out of Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne Division.

The most appreciated items? Kool-Aid in plastic bottles and baby wipes, Stein said.

Over Labor Day weekend, supporters of the America Serving Americans program will be selling magnetic yellow "Support Our Troops" car ribbons and red, white and blue ribbons for $5 apiece at the Alexandria Fair and Horse Show to raise money for Alexandria's adopted unit.

William Croyle contributed to this report. E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com