Former EBSC player Stefanie Simi, currently stationed in Iraq as a member of the National Guard, received a great surprise recently: a big box of necessities and goodies -- along with a personal note --  from the EBSC Breakers (U16G).

The Breakers learned about Stefanie, who, along with her brother Zack, played in the EBSC and still lives in East Brunswick, from former EBSC coach Tommy Coohill at the township’s VFW. Phone calls and addresses were exchanged, and then the Breakers, thanks to the help of coach Tom Sollecito, enthusiastically agreed to put together a special gift for Stefani.

"All the girls were more than happy to participate," Sollecito said. "We started with an 8 x 8 box, but we kept getting more and more supplies. We ended up end up sending a 14 X 12 box, weighing around 30 pounds!".

Among the items sent were beef jerky, shampoo, Twizzlers, foot powder, QTips, lip balm, skin cream and lolly pops. The team also added a special gift for Stefanie, as suggested by her mother, Kathy.

The girls also included a person note, written by team member Hannah Wey:

"We, the East Brunswick Breakers, would like to first and foremost thank you for your services to our country. Thank you for standing up in the force that keeps this nation safe, secure, and strong. We cannot begin to imagine the difficulties you must endure, like the hardships of missing your family and physical challenges you face everyday. Thank you for waking up everyday willing to put yourself on the line between danger and the ones you love. We truly value your courage, your determination, and your protection."

Sollecito reports that Stefanie wrote back with a thank you, telling the girls that she shared the goodies with fellow National Guard members and US soldiers. Said Sollecito, "I think a lot of us take for granted the freedoms we have living in the USA. I can speak for all of the girls when I say we were more than happy to do this small part to show our appreciation to someone who is helping preserve those freedoms."