CSI: Miami shows support for U.S. troops

Maj. Mark Aitken
1st Sqdrn., 89th Cav. Regt.

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq –The cast from “CSI: Miami” made a unique and lasting impression on here June 1.
The cast and crew of the noted CBS television show donated an autographed original hand-drawn and hand-painted sign to the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment “Wolverines,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y., coffee shop, Cuppa Joe’s.
The idea behind the development of Cuppa Joe’s is that all of the supplies, coffee and decorations are donated by the family members and supporters of the squadron. To date, hundreds of people from all over the country provide support to the facility.
A main contributor to the coffee shop is Paul Genderau, from Studio City, Calif. Genderau provides a wide variety of goodies, electronics and autographed pictures. Genderau, the uncle of Spc. Michael Marty of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 1-89, is the publicist for the television show “CSI: Miami,” and was the driving force behind the development, production and shipment of the sign.
The sign, according to Denderau, is his and the cast’s way of letting the Soldiers know how much they are appreciated and everything that comes out of Hollywood should not be believed.
Genderau also masterminded the production and distribution of a home made trail mix known as Buddy’s Nut’s, a favorite throughout the squadron. One package of each shipment of trail mix contains a special surprise.
Last month Pvt. Robert McKinney of Headquarters and Headquarters Troop was the lucky winner of an IPOD NANO.

“Genderau is a true American patriot who is committed to supporting his nephew, and all the Soldiers of the Wolverine Squadron,” said Andrea Aitken, the squadron’s senior family readiness group advisor.
“Genderau is an important part of the Wolverine family, and all of his donations are greatly appreciated by our Soldiers,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Fred Morris, the squadron’s command sergeant major. “We have all taken to calling him Uncle Paul … he really is part of the squadron.”
The Cuppa Joe’s sign, now a part of the squadron history, will return to Drum where it will be displayed for future Wolverines.
“It (the sign) will be a reminder that family and national support are important to mission success,” Aitken said.