Young duo keeps troops connected with home

03:05 PM CDT on Monday, July 4, 2005

By Jeremy Desel / 11 News

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On a day our American soldiers are confronted with more violence in Iraq, there is a move here at home to make sure those fighting for our freedom stay connected. You might be surprised to find out who is leading the charge.

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Brittany and Robbie Bergquist started with just $14 of their own cash.

A duo is crossing the nation to get your support.

The sounds of war are overwhelming. The soothing sounds of home can be out of reach. Not drowned out by battle, but silenced by the battle of the budget.

That's where Brittany and Robbie Bergquist came in. Starting with 14 bucks of their own cash. Then they hit up their friends.

"It came out to 21 dollars. We were given another 500 dollars by our local South Shore Savings Bank," said Brittany Bergquist.

A non-profit was born, Cell Phones for Soldiers, headed up by it's 13 and 14-year-old chiefs.

So far, so good.

By asking folks to donate old cell phones and then selling them to recyclers, the Bergquists have done well, raising more than allowance change.

"About six hundred and fifty thousand dollars," said Robbie Bergquist.

All that money was then reinvested into international phone cards for use by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The kids got a boost last year from the Boston Red Sox and the effort is now national. In Houston they got help from the Kingwood Presbyterian Church.

"The reward is what you hear from the troops," said John Tompkins, Kingwood resident.

The church got in touch with another big league club -- one most folks in Houston like a little better that the Red Sox.

"We were watching the Astros game last night and they had little things popping up in the corners saying, 'bring your cell phone.' That's incredible. We've never had that happen before," said Brittany Bergquist.

July 4th is a day to celebrate our independence and remember those who help keep us free. The Bergquists and those who help them keep that in mind every day.

"Had a few tears once in a while. But you know they are very grateful and they are over there on our behalf," Tompkins said.

So if you are going to be at Monday's Astros-Padres game at Minute Maid Park, be sure and bring an old cell phone. Cell Phones for Soldiers will also be accepting cash donations.

The Bergquists will be at the game. They will not just be taking donations, but also giving out $27,000 in phone cards to soldiers headed to Iraq and Afghanistan.