POWERGRAMS

It's a special loneliness that can consume a soldier. Surrounded by the Afghanistan desert and inescapable heat, her Phenix City home seemed a million miles away to Denise Richardson, serving in the National Guard in 2013. Before she left on her tour of duty, members of the Alabama Power Service Organization (APSO) asked what she needed. "I asked them to send magazines for everyone," said Richardson, customer service representative in the Phenix City Office. It was during the evenings overseas that Richardson found respite in those magazines. "Sometimes, I had downtime on a sleepless night," said Richardson, who served three Middle Eastern tours. "I'd read Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens that APSO had sent me. I'm a gardener, it's my hobby. I plant a garden every year, and I like to grow cucumbers, squash, tomatoes. "I'd see the photos and start thinking how I'd like to garden or paint a room," Richardson said. APSO's provision of "creature comforts" makes all the difference to military personnel. Richardson knew that she could count on special packages from APSO members – and she wasn't the only soldier who looked forward to the gifts. "Anything I got, I shared with everyone else," Richardson said. "Lisa Roberts sent me the Phenix City and Valley newspapers so I could keep up with the news. So, it was pretty neat of her to send the newspapers." Roberts, a customer service representative in the Valley/Langdale offices, said APSO frequently checks with their military members about their needs. These acts of giving back are an integral part of APSO, said Tan Grayson, associate director of the company's charitable arm for employees. "The Support Our Troops campaign has been ongoing for years," Grayson said. "It touches those we know who serve, and extends kindness to those we don't know." 13 Support Our Troops lifts soldiers' spirits BY DONNA COPE APSO Clockwise from top left, Haynes and Southeast APSO President-elect Jake Taylor box snacks for troops; a customer writes a thank-you note to the troops; view of a typical gift box; and Army Maj. Ishida enjoys APSO gifts in Egypt. Clockwise from top left, Haynes and Southeast APSO President-elect Jake Taylor box snacks for troops; a customer writes a thank-you note to the troops; view of a typical gift box; and Army Maj. Ishida enjoys APSO gifts in Egypt. Richardson PHOTO BY DAN ANDERSON PHOTO BY DAN ANDERSON PHOTO BY DAN ANDERSON

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