San Mateo to Initiate Video Call With Deployed Troops

Want to talk to a soldier deployed to Afghanistan? You could get your chance Thursday night.

The 1st Brigate Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the Screaming Eagles, will be connected via a video call with the city of San Mateo following the screening of a documentary about the city's relationship with those very soldiers.

On March 4, 1968, the San Mateo City Council unanimously approved a resolution to adopt the troops and San Mateo became the first city in the U.S. to proactively support a deployed combat unit in the Vietnam War.

The documentary, "City With a Heart," focuses on the activites surrounding Operation Eagle Visit, the 2012 Memorial Day Weekend celebration of the 40th anniversary of San Mateo's welcome home parade for returning Vietnam War veterans in 1972.

The event begins at 7 p.m. with a dessert reception. Attendees will have the opportunity to make a Valentine for a soldier, sign a banner for the unit, and record a video message for the troops.

The documentary, about an hour, will be shown from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Following the documentary screening, a live video call will be initiated between San Mateo and its adopted troops in Afghanistan.

The event takes place at San Mateo City Hall in the Council Chambers. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP to San Mateo City Clerk Patrice Olds, polds@cityofsanmateo.org or (650) 522-7040.

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