According to TV-34 station manager Sharon Colucci, the municipality’s public access television network intends to film messages from local organizations, such as a soccer team or knitting circle, to soldiers serving in other nations.

Colucci will record the segments for Army News Watch, a branch of the Dept. of the Army’s Soldiers Media Center, whose members will then deliver the DVDs to soldiers.

According to www.armynewswatch.com, Army News "produces radio and television programming that keeps both soldiers and the public informed."

The "Army shout-outs," as Colucci called them, are geared toward a soldier’s social circle.

"We’re looking for a member of the choir, bowling team, friends in a poker game, the Elk or Moose Lodge," Colucci said. "I would film them saying, ‘Hello. We’re thinking about you. We hope you’re safe and sound.’"

Colucci hopes the messages will be upbeat and soldiers find comfort in their former teammates or organization members’ warm wishes.

"That will hopefully raise their spirits," Colucci said.

At-Large Township Councilman Roger Terry, who called his family "very patriotic," noted that three out of four people raised in his house, his son, niece and nephew, have served or are serving in the armed forces.

"I think it’s a great idea," Terry said of the video messages. "[Soldiers] are somebody’s son, daughter, niece, nephew. Somebody’s father or mother is over there. They want to hear from their fellow countrymen that we all support them."

Anyone interested in the "army shout-outs" can contact Colucci at cabletv@montclairnjusa.org.