Midn. 2⁄C Mark Knorr led the charge of mobilizing his fellow Midshipmen in ‘‘Operation Battle Buddies and Care Packages.” The program focuses on establishing camaraderie and solidarity with troops deployed overseas. One of its primary goals is to bring the concept of being a nation at war and leading Sailors and Marines to the forefront of each Midshipman’s priorities.

‘‘We were already keeping in touch with deployed service men and women,” said Knorr. ‘‘It only seemed logical to expand the program beyond keeping in touch to actively supporting them as best we could.”

Knorr’s efforts resulted in the Brigade sending over 100 pounds of highly desired supplies and more than 200 phone cards to Marine units deployed to Iraq.

‘‘It was awe-inspiring to see how well this took off and it’s great to have that kind of connection with the troops,” said Knorr. ‘‘They get the benefits of the supplies and know we support them from here, and this helps us align our priorities for the future.”

After receiving a resounding response from the Brigade, Knorr coordinated a further expansion to Hillendale Elementary School in Chadds Ford, Pa. The school of nearly 400 students bonded with Knorr’s project and sent six boxes of supplies to deployed units.

‘‘I am very proud of the Company’s efforts and particularly proud of Midn. Knorr’s persistent drive to help others by leading the charge,” said Marine Capt. Jesse Sjoberg, 20th Company Officer. ‘‘It certainly gives me hope that they do indeed have the heart needed to become the selfless leaders of character that we need to succeed in the war on terrorism.”

Knorr said he plans to expand the project in the upcoming year.

‘‘It feels good, even from a fellow military stand point, to let them know we’re behind them in what they do,” said Knorr. ‘‘Through this, even while we are Midshipmen in school, we are keeping their best interests in our thoughts every day.”