Posted on 05/14/2005 5:40:19 PM PDT by Axhandle
I have received countless emails asking me for ideas, for what to send to Soldiers deployed in Iraq. So, I have decided to dedicate an entry to this topic. This will also form the basis for a "frequently asked questions" page that the webmaster is making. Most of the people who write, asking this question, want to know what to send to units such as mine. By "units such as mine" I mean those units that are not living the extravagant lifestyle afforded by the cushier Forward Operating Bases and Logistical Support Areas.
The short answer to this question is that I can only speak for myself. Every unit has different needs. For example, our patrol base has fairly reliable internet access, but no working toilets, and our showers and sinks rarely work. We are in a sturdy building that can withstand mortars and we have beds, reliable electricity from a generator, a few microwaves, a television that never works, and a few coffee makers. Our supply channels manage to get us a steady supply of coffee and we occasionally get some individual-sized frozen pizzas, slim jims and soft-bake cookies. So, what I would say, based upon this situation, is that we could use microwaveable meals, but not canned food or coffee. We could use lots of wet wipes, but we do not need anymore soap or shampoo, because we cannot bathe very often.
I have also received a few emails from people who want to find out that one thing to send that will just make jaws drop. I have responded to those people and considered the question for quite some time, since I sent those responses. Unfortunately, my answer remains unchanged. Really, the only things that would fit into that category would be things that cannot be mailed: a plane ticket home, a new handgun, a football cheerleading team. Soldiers here have the necessities - food, water, shelter, clothing, weapons, ammunition, medical supplies. There are some units that would like some vehicles with thicker armor, but you need to take that issue up with your congressmen, not the postal service.
I will say that the best way to help is to go to anysoldier.com. There, you will see specific requests from Soldiers. If you are concerned with making sure that your package goes to Soldiers who are living in austere conditions, then just take note of how they describe their location. But, keep in mind that some soldiers in patrol bases have a mailing address at the nearest Forward Operating Base, so do not be guided by just the mailing address. If it is a patrol base, then they are not living an extravagant lifestyle. If they are living on a Forward Operating Base, then they might be living a good life - you will need to consider their requests, to see if they are roughing it or not. If they are living on a Logistical Support Area, then they are not wanting for anything, other than to go home.
And, that is really all that anyone wants: to go home. Living here and being without comforts is not that big of a deal. Sure, I have not had a shower in almost a month. But, once you go over a week, it does not really matter; you get used to it. Your body can only accumulate so much filth anyway. I would say that the best way to help Soldiers is to ensure that they have something to go back to. I am already dreading the first two week of our return. I went through it on our last deployment. Soldiers go home to find out that their wives and girlfriends have been cheating on them and spending all of their money. It is even more stressful for our National Guard soldiers. I deployed to Bosnia as a member of the Army National Guard. When we returned home, some Soldiers had to find new jobs. Your employer, by law, cannot fire you for being deployed. But, as happened to some Soldiers, their employer did fire them or lay them off and got away with it, because they did so before any "official" notification was made about the impending deployment.
So, I will close by saying that if you want to help out our Soldiers, but you are not sure how, then look into organizations such as ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve), AER (Army Emergency Relief), and anysoldier.com. They are all quality organizations and they know how to help Soldiers, because they have been in the business of helping Soldiers for a long time. Their advice will be better than any that I can provide. If there are any other such organizations, leave a comment below.
It just happened that the first 3 soldiers names I clicked on mentioned needs for items we have an abundance of in our warehouse.
Thanks again for the heads up and God bless you.
ping
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