Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Barbara Swenson said Saturday's troop rally will be a patriotic scene.

The founder of Troop Bebop USA, a nonprofit that supports U.S. military personnel through fundraising events, Swenson has organized a rally to welcome home units returning from deployment and drum up support for those who remain overseas.

"We've got all these soldiers coming home and I wanted something to show we're out there supporting them," Swenson said. "I just want them to know we're thinking of them."

During Saturday's rally, donations will be collected to help provide phone services to allow soldiers stationed overseas to call home for free as well as care packages containing items requested by troops.

Military personnel will also be on hand during the event, which will be held at Guven Fine Jewelry at 1790 Mall of Georgia Blvd. in Buford.

"I just want (our troops) to know that we're out there being a part of them," Swenson said. "I want to be a part of them and let them know we do honor them."