Posted on 09/10/2004 1:09:32 PM PDT by MACVSOG68
The other day, I was lurking on a very DUplicitous site that can only dream of the success of our trusted and honorable Free Republic. While there, I came across a thread devoted to the entire family that enlisted in the Navy. Certainly even there I expected a few atta-boys, but none were to be found. Instead, I found what amounted to ridicule and questioning of such patriotism.
But we here know such patriotism does exist, even though the MSM all to frequently ignores stories which highlight the successes, hard work and just plain love of country from our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who are serving selflessly and gallantly 24/7 for all of us in this war on terror.
My neighhor's son, Greg, has been in Iraq for several months now serving at Camp Normandy in the Sunni Triangle. He serves in a medical unit with the 1st ID, facing the day to day challenges that include enemy attacks, casualties on both sides who require immediate aid, shortages of supplies and personal items, weather, and of course, the separation from his wife and two small children. Yet, he and all the rest of the troops trudge on day after day, aware of the constant criticisms and questioning of their mission by those ridicule such values as patriotism, commitment, duty and honor.
A couple of weeks ago, a small Bedouin boy was brought in after the donkey he was riding stepped on a mine planted by terrorists. The boy was pretty seriously injured, but was saved by our medics, and then airlifted to Baghdad with Greg accompanying him on the flight!
Our servicemen's families have not been forgotten either. Greg's wife and children are in Germany waiting for him there. The Army is very well aware of the service provided by the spouses left behind. This is a typical story of the closeness of those left behind:
It was 8:30 in the AM when the neighbor called that she needed to run to the neighbors down the street. 'Paige is going to pass out'. Since Beth is a nurse, off she ran and I kept her 2 children. She called the ambulance, ran back to the house to change her clothes. The ambulance arrived with doctor on board. The MP's had a file that listed who was to watch Paige's 4 children in such an emergency, where the dog was to go... all that took place before the ambulance left. Beth was soon enroute to the hospital with 6 children safely cared for. Before the ambulance arrived in Amberg the husband had been notified. (He would not be coming home but would be updated hourly on his wife's condition.) Surgery was a ruptured cyst and after 2 days Mom came home. The neighbors all pitched in to ensure child care, meals have been provided AND it all was done so effortlessly, like an old neighboorhood in an American city where you had known your neighbors for years. Only this is the military where you find friends in a foreign land and make it work. These women are amazing, strong, stable, determined and bolted together with a strength only provided through the fears of war.
In April one of these friends lost her husband in Iraq. Mrs. Kenny is now back in the US and thought she would call the White House to ask what she could do for the Bush election. The aids took the call and after 3 weeks she received a call back. The President was going to be in her area for a stop and would like to meet her. 'Well, sure, she could accommodate him, but could she bring her Mom with her?'. The response from them was, certainly. The appointed day came, she presented her letter to the Secret Service and they were ushered to reserved seats and told to sit there until they came back for them. They sat through the speech in front of the President. When it was over the S. Service took them to a small tent that had only 3 chairs. They had no idea what to expect, it seemed odd, yet offical. After 10 minutes in walked George Bush who hugged Mrs. Kenny and from the bottom of his heart, said how sorry he was for her loss. He asked about Reid, how she was doing. After some small chat, he asked her what he could do to assist her... she said, 'get our troops home safely'. His response was, I'm working on that'!!! Her thoughts on that experience was how genuine he was, how compassionate and how at ease he made she and her Mom feel. The amazing thing to her was that there were no press, no Secret Service, just the three of them. GW does not go to Arlington or to a service funeral, that is reserved for the families.
And just who is this neighbor I spoke of earlier, Greg's mother? She is a Canadian who has just received her American citizenship! While she worries for her son daily, and prays for his safe return, this is what she told me:
"As a newly sworn American citizen...I will be honored to be voting for George Bush's reelection!!!"
For those able to get to a post exchange (PX), boots, brown T-shirts and green socks are always in demand. The heat and sweat take their toll on these items.
Personal items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet tissue, non-aerosol bug repellant, hand held games and sporting equipment such as softball and ping pong paddles and balls, and any kind of balls between 4 inch to soccer.
For the women soldiers, lotion (good smelling in plastic bottles), fruity chapstick, body wash, facial cleansing cloths (dry with soap added), make-up remover, deoderant (moisturizing or aloe), clear fingernail polish, hard candy.
Do Not Send:alcohol, adult materials, pocket knives, glass or aerosol containers, homemade food, chocolates and soft candy, nor anything that might offend the local populace such as religious materials.
I did borrow some of the wording from this needs list from yankeedoodleboy, so thanks to him, and to Greg's Mom!
IMPORTANT
The Defense Department requests that we do not post addresses on the web. So for those who would like to send any items to these great troops, please freepmail me for the address. It will go to the unit supply officer for distribution. You may send them via priority mail at the same cost as sending anywhere in the US. Also, by all means, a note enclosed from you to these brave troops will always be appreciated.
(((MACVSOG68)))
God bless you and our beloved troops.
I'll try to help after planning my sister's wedding which has been changed from Amelia Island to this sweet town you and I live in.
TO ALL: Forgot sizes on the shirts. They are mediums for the women and large to XXL for the men. Thanks again to all.
Well said!
Bttt
Bttt
BTTT
Please freepmail me the address.
I have several items on hand but will get more.
Thank-you for allowing me the opportunity to help!
Anything we can do, I know is appreciated.
God Bless our Military!
God Bless George W. Bush!
BUSH/CHENEY 2004
Please Freepmail me. I have been doing drugstore rebates and shopping all summer for personal items to donate. I would love to send them to the troops.
Thank you LadyPilgrim. I have sent you the address by freepmail.
Thank you cyndi. I have sent you the address by freepmail.
My son is in the ANG. He was told that he will be deployed before Christmas. Twenty four from his unit were needed and so far, 12 wonderful men volunteered.
A friend of his is home on leave and he asked that people send toiletries you get in hotels, motels, etc. They are easy for the soldiers to carry and pass out to Iraqi families, and especially the children. The Iraqi civilians need them, too, and always show excitement when the soldiers hand them their tiny shampoos or soaps.
Thanks for the idea. We'll all keep your son and those soldiers in our thoughts and prayers.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.