In order to show support for our troops I am going to send various comfort items to a unit that is in the Middle East. I have talked about doing this before and never have. However every time I do I have had many people tell me they would also like to help out or I should start a collection. Since it is time for me to put up or shut up I have decided to do all I can to help our troops. If you would like to help out, IÂ’m sure the troops would be more then happy.

First let me tell you whom is receiving my good will. One of my very own Mortar Maidens, Lady Moira, has a son who is shipping out on his SECOND deployment; SSGT Troy Hunter, 1st Armored Division, US Army.

I have been told that these young men and women need items like baby wipes and flea collars (They wear them around their ankles to keep the sand fleas off). However Lady Moira has advised me that they do not need any cologne as SSGT Hunter apparently has quite a collection of unopened bottles going.

Thank you to all the men and women that have served and are serving our country. May you all have long rich lives.

Update 06/29/05: I had some of my information wrong. This will be their THIRD deployment. They previously served 18 months in Iraq and 12 months in Afghanistan. That's not counting time in Korea, Bosnia and Germany.

Also my heart and thoughts go out to the troops that where on the Helicopter that crashed in Afghan-Pakistan border.

Update 06/30/05: The donation button is now working. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. PayPal finally got around to responding to me request for help

Update 07/30/05:>Just for the blog crawl I am moving this post back one dayte. I don't want anyone to accidently leave a drunken comment on it. Also You only have two days left to donate!

Posted by: Contagion at 11:59 PM | Comments (23) | Add Comment
Post contains 440 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Since they won't allow us to send over BBQ Pork Rinds, Booze, and Porn, I suppose I'll whip together a "Care Package" that the brass approves of

Posted by: Graumagus at June 28, 2005 09:54 PM (xArTi)

2 I am in the works on getting a list of wants from the unit that is perfectly okay by the brass. Once I have that information I will share it with all.

Posted by: Contagion at June 28, 2005 10:03 PM (977gQ)

3 List of Items

Great idea Contagion. I did this at my store that I managed and have contributed to the packages my stepmom sends. My dad does it in his office too.

I'm glad we can do something here, even something small, to let them know that they are still in our thoughts and they are appreciated.

Posted by: Sissy at June 28, 2005 10:09 PM (uXS+O)

4 I sent 3 big boxes last year. Time for me to get another box going.

Posted by: Bou at June 28, 2005 10:16 PM (J9A1R)

5 We are sorry that we are experiencing temporary difficulties. Please try again later.

Message 5302

I'll try again later. That was the message from Paypal when I tried to make a donation.

Posted by: VW Bug at June 29, 2005 05:41 AM (/8HxP)

6 Same message as VW, I'll try later.

Posted by: Machelle at June 29, 2005 07:43 AM (ZAyoW)

7 My message for the 1st Armored Division:

YOU GUYS ROCK!

Prayers are going with you for a safe return.

Posted by: Machelle at June 29, 2005 07:44 AM (ZAyoW)

8 You know, being as big as the Bad Example Family is we should pool together and adopt a platoon or something.

Can you imagine the letters those people would get from us.

Makes sense because I think almost all BEF members donate money/packages in some way.

Posted by: Machelle at June 29, 2005 07:46 AM (ZAyoW)

9 Is there a way to get a name of one of our boys so I can send a package too? Or perhaps an address so I can send one to them all? I usually do the anonymous USO stuff. Oh and I love the BE Family adopt a platoon suggestion!! That would be freaking hilarious!

My family appreciates all they do for us and they have my love and respect.

Posted by: Oddybobo at June 29, 2005 07:54 AM (6Gm0j)

10 This unit is just being redeployed there location is not available yet. As soon as I get an update I'll post it so that people who want to send their own can. I'm also hoping to get a list of names.

As for the PayPal account, I've contacted them regarding the problem I hope to hear from them soon.

Posted by: Contagion at June 29, 2005 08:14 AM (Q5WxB)

11 I think this is a great idea!!

I do think National Guard Experiance blog has a list that is pretty good.

Posted by: ArmyWifeToddlerMom at June 29, 2005 09:40 AM (cyCW+)

12 Thanks Contagion. Unless it is my personal family I usually do stuff anonymous... but I wanted you to know about the problem. You have my support! I like the adopt a platoon suggestion from the BE family. Anyone have time to follow up on this?

Posted by: VW Bug at June 29, 2005 09:42 AM (/8HxP)

13 Good idea. National Guard Experience does have a good list.

BTW, Soldiers' Angels - http://soldiersangels.org - has lists of items sent to the troops. Might want to consider DVDs, XBox, ATT phone cards, etc.

Posted by: Blackfive at July 08, 2005 12:46 PM (ynjpR)

14 You can send care packages addressed to 'any soldier' just like letters, I'm sure. You can contact the base nearest you for information.

When we sent a care package to my sister's husband, he requested a lot of gatorade, beef jerky, etc. Snacks like that cost a lot there and they don't always get them.

Don't send candy or chocolate, as it is very hot and it will melt. Also nothing fizzy, it can explode after being shaken. Don't wrap anything as it will be opened before the soldiers recieve it. Makes peoples' jobs easier.


We also sent some microwaveable popcorn and such. Your group may or may not have access to a microwave. Unscented wipes are best. Wind kicks around a lot of sand, so I suggest unscented wipes they make for newborns. They are quite soft. An off brand package of around 100 costs about a dollar.

Posted by: micki at July 08, 2005 12:48 PM (yQ0eK)

15 Godspeed to those guys and gals once again. Be safe, be strong, and remember that we are bound together like family. My best wishes to all, and my heart felt support for each and every one of you. WE love all of you, and care deeply for your safety and your strong determination for all people to be free.

Posted by: Rita at July 08, 2005 02:21 PM (L8riu)

16 Oddybobo, and others. Try Soldier's Angels. You can sign up easily. You will get a soldier's name and address, and lots of help.

Posted by: Kerry at July 08, 2005 07:56 PM (k+WaF)

17 Flea collars are NOT approved for human use! Please see this notice from Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample

American Forces Press Service.
http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/post03/post041803/Fleacollars.htm
Also, u may NOT send packages or letters addressed to "any soldier" and have not been able to do so since the Gulf War fiasco.
You may, however, go to http://anysoldier.com/index.cfm and find a liaison willing to hand off a package to one that may get little, or sadly no mail at all.
God bless our military members and those that keep them in their prayers.

Posted by: Lil Toni at July 08, 2005 09:07 PM (ObNA6)

18 What a wonderful idea! Soldiers Angels has a list of items if someone cannot think of anything.

I would like to thank each and everyone that is going to be deployed soon. Thank you for your service and sacrifice of familiar comforts. I will be praying for all of you. Keep you heads down and your powder dry (but ready!) Until you come marching home again, take good care of yourselves and each other. Much love and respect.

Posted by: Rosemary at July 08, 2005 09:08 PM (JngAT)

19 I wish I could say more but words fail me. For now, my most sincere thanks for the job you all do.

Godspeed soldiers!

Posted by: Mike at July 08, 2005 10:53 PM (quMTI)

20 Thanks for your support of our soldiers who do so much for so many, even for those who hate them and us. Today, I shipped 4 boxes to the 5-7 CAV of the 3rd ID (my son's unit)that included 54 pairs of Thor-Lo combat boot socks, a selection of 30 music CDs, and edible comfort items made in America. I then donated $200 to the Helping Our Heroes Foundation, which gives cash grants to families of our wounded heroes who are in financial need, and $100 to MovingAmericaForward. More boxes are filled and ready to be shipped. Family vacation for 2005 is hereby cancelled. God bless these brave Americans, and may He grant their sincerest prayers. They deserve that we sacrifice for them till it hurts.

Posted by: twolaneflash at July 09, 2005 09:12 PM (MPcxG)

21 Amen "twolaneflash"..."They deserve that we sacrifice for them till it hurts" Is 100% right on target. I volunteer at the local airport USO, donate regularly to HHS, Soldier's Angels, Wounder Warrior, Etc. I wish just one leader in this country would come out and explain to the public the sacrifice our troops are making and that maybe, they might have to give up that night out at McDonald's, second round of golf, or new set of furniture. Some folks seem to be paying a very heavy price for the rest of us.

Posted by: Joe at July 09, 2005 10:42 PM (bHtcU)

22 This is a great idea. Well done!

Posted by: Sally at July 10, 2005 12:19 PM (crWt/)

23 I am awed by the fact that men and women would volunteer to put their lives on the line for me. "Thank you" is simply not enough, but it's all I have. Thank you to all who serve and have served. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Posted by: Karen at July 10, 2005 12:41 PM (urzhq)

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