Operation Phone Home: HELP WANTED

03/04/2003 | dware

[dware]

Operation Phone Home is an effort by FReepers across the US to show our support for the troops stationed overseas. At present, we are gathering specific items to send to a division stationed in Kuwait. I have been in contact with their commander, a friend of mine, and we are going to send these items to his division and others over the next few months.

The items needed include:

Phone cards (calls from Kuwait to the States run $1.55+ per minute - calling cards will help defray that cost for the troops and their families)
Letters of support, particularly from children!
Board games (specifically requested by the troops is 2 cribbage boards and a scrabble game)
American magazines (for men & women - let's keep it somewhat clean...)
Taped American programs (specifically, Friends, Simpsons, Sopranos, 24, ER and others) - we would like to have several folks who agree to tape these programs, and send the tapes in.
Pocket sized containers of sanitizer
Soft toothbrushes

Hard candy & gum (no cookies - they have plenty on the way!)

Normally, the troops would get these items in the local PX, but with the PX serving upwards of 20,000 troops instead of the normal 6,000 (where they are located), these items are almost always out of stock. It is also a little harder for the troops to get to the PX, so having these items delivered would them out a lot.

The response to Operation Phone Card has been phenomenal, and I know we can make this even bigger. Getting involved is very simple - FReepmail me, or email me at warehouse@gvii.net and I will send you my address. Pick a few of the tiems mentioned above up, and send them to me. These items will be repackaged with items sent by others folks, and will be sent directly to Kuwait.

Here are a few helpful hints:

1. Items sent have to be new and in their original containers, for security purposes.

2. Calling cards can be purchased at Wal Mart, Sam's Club and similar places. Keep in mind that 10 minutes of time at domestic rates equals only 1 minute of time at International rates (60 minute card = 6 minutes from Kuwait)

3. If you are a teacher, get your students involved by having them write letters of support to the troops. According to my friend, this brings smiles to many GI's that receive them, and helps boost morale.

4. Include a note with your items, saying hellp to the troops. Include your address so they can write back if they choose.

The first step, of course, is to email me at warehouse@gvii.net. Are you ready to help?

[dware]

THREAD ONE

THREAD TWO

[dware]

4. Include a note with your items, saying hellp to the troops. Include your address so they can write back if they choose.

Sorry folks, that should have read 'hello' to the troops.

[dware]

PING to new thread!

[dware]

Perhaps you could get word out on FR Radio? FReepmail me or email at the link above and I'll get you my info.

[Jen]

(Click the soldier)

Support Our Troops Through
Operation Phone Home

[dware]

BEAUTIFUL! Thank you very much, AntiJen!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!

[Jen]

You are VERY welcome, and you have FReepmail. :-)

[yoe]

BUMP!

I also heard our service men and women could use "handy-wipes" the actual quote is this..."They especially need things like "wet wipes" because it's so difficult to keep all that blasted sand out of everything. Troops are only allowed to take a shower once a week". I took the liberty of writing a company called Progressive Products (found on Google) that make all kinds of the wipes. If you or anyone else would write that company or other companies, it just might get some attention. I have no idea what our people have in their kits; anyone know?

[dware]

Thanks for contacting them. Please let me know what the outcome is. I have contacted some of the major book/magazine suppliers to see if we can enlist their help in that area, and will keep everyone updated.

[dware]

Let's Roll, folks!

[dware]

Bump & ping!

[dware]

BTTT!

[dware]

And another!

[dware]

and another...Anyone else want to help out here?

[dware]

FYI-New Thread!

[dware]

BTTT for our dedicated men & women in the armed services!

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

bump