PARSIPPANY, N.J., (Oct. 01, 2010) -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization congratulates Wendy and John Rocca of CENTURY 21 Commonwealth in Watertown, Mass., for receiving the 2010 Realtor Good Neighbor Award that honors professionals who are leaders in their community, dedicating time and energy to helping those in need.

Wendy Rocca, broker, and John Rocca, sales agent, were recognized by REALTOR® Magazine because of their commitment to their community and country. When the Rocca’s daughter, Tracy, was deployed to Iraq in 2003, they began sending “cheer packages to her.” After sending a few packages to their daughter, the Rocca’s learned from her that many of her fellow soldiers received no mail from home and could also use a pick-me-up.

In 2003, the Rocca’s founded Operation American Soldier (OAS) to send care packages overseas to soldiers. Since then, the Rocca’s have sent 30,000 pounds of goods to the troops and committed $15,000 of their own money.

“We are incredibly proud of what the Rocca’s are doing to support our troops,” said Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Not only are Wendy and John helping those in their community to find the perfect home, but they are also volunteering their time and money to send pieces of home to our soldiers overseas.”

As OAS continues to grow, it has tapped support from many local organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8818 in Cambridge, and the Charles J. Shutt Marine Corps League Detachment in Watertown.

“When we first started, it was just John and I working from our basement,” said Wendy Rocca. “Now we have so many people to thank. I come in to work and find my desk covered with tons of gifts to be sent over to the soldiers.”

The care packages are filled with snacks, books, magazines and other items from back home that the troops don’t have access to while abroad. Each package also includes a note from the Rocca’s asking if the recipient knows of any other solider that could use a “cheer package.”

Video Feature: NAR 2010 Good Neighbor Award and founders of OAS - http://c21.in/9PjdfM.