BY TRINA WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES C. O’DONNELL, CAMP PARKS RESERVE FORCES TRAINING AREA
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2025
For this year’s Operation Backpack, Sandians generously donated enough back-to-school supplies to benefit 108 military families.
On July 31, volunteers delivered a variety of backpacks filled with essential supplies to Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, California, where they were distributed to local students.
The effort, which began in 2014, was led by Deterrence, Science and Energy Division Executive Assistant Rachel Sowell, who also contributed an additional 25 backpacks for families who may join later in the school year.
Information about Operation Backpack and the Stuff the Bus effort in New Mexico will run in the Sept. 18 issue of Lab News.
SUPPLIES AND SMILES — Executive Assistant Rachel Sowell, right, coordinated an effort to distribute backpacks to 108 military families.GET THE GEAR — Backpacks are ready and waiting to be picked up by families at Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin, California.
ALL SET FOR SCHOOL — A group of students at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area try on their new backpacks filled with school supplies.
PACK IT UP — Rachel, right, and her daughter Natalie Sowell, middle, distribute backpacks to families at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area.
FAMILY VALUES — Rachel and Natalie distribute backpacks at the Parks Reserve Forces Training Area. Rachel also contributed 25 backpacks for distribution after school starts.
