Suport Our Troops: Operation Phone Home Update

03/06/2003 | dware

[dware]

Operation Phone Home Update: 03.06.03

Operation Phone Home, an effort to support troops stationed overseas with calling cards (calls from Kuwait cost upwards of $1.55/minute), personal hygiene products and other care package items is gaining support.

Since my first post here, over 100 generous FReepers have contacted me about supporting our troops through Operation Phone Home. In addition, Boar Hunter Magazine (www.boarhuntermagazine.com) has agreed to support our troops with copies of the Boar Hunter magazine. I am also in touch and working with several other magazine publishers to gain their support as well.

I will be sending out the first of hopefully many more packages to troops stationed in Kuwait on the 2oth of March. Subsequent packages will be sent out on the 5th and 20th of every month for as long as needed.

If you would like to join FReepers and other folks from around the country and send the troops an item or two, here's how:

I am asking folks to send the following items:

Phone cards
Letters of support (from adults & children alike)
Personal hygiene products (for men & women)
Magazines (men's & women's, particularly sports mags)
Cards & board games (specifically requested by troops I am in contact with: cribbage boards & scrabble)
Candy & gum (cookies are already on the way!)
Movies & taped American shows (Sopranos, 24, ER, Simpsons, Friends, etc.)
Other "care package" items

If you would like to participate, FReepmail me or send me an email at warehouse@gvii.net and I will send you my address. Then, pick up an item or two listed above, and send them to me. I will be repacking the items with other items sent, along with your letters, and sending them directly to troops stationed in Kuwait.

Here are a few tips on what to send and how to do it:

1. Everything must be in original packaging for security purposes.

2. When sending phone cards, keep in mind that for every ten minutes on the card at domestic rates, the troops will get about 1 minute at international rates (60 minute card = 6 minutes)

3. If you are a teacher, this is a great way to get your students involved with supporting the troops. They welcome letters & drawings from kids of all ages.

4. Be sure to pass the word on to your friends & family, and enlist their support as well.

5. Include a note saying hello to the troops, along with your address so they can write back if they choose (this is not required, unless you hope to receive mail directly from the troops)

As always, contact me by FReepmail or at warehouse@gvii.net with any questions. Thanks for your support!

[Rabid Dog]

It would be very nice if Operation Phone Home could have a permanent sidebar position for the duration to serve as a reminder and for regular updates.

We are going to be doing a little shopping this weekend for goodies (after we attend our local Support Your President and Your Troops rally in Ventura).

[dware]

I appreciate your support, and I know the troops do as well!

[dware]

FYI - new post. And, Boar Hunter Magazine is on board!

[dware]

FYI - new post - and Boar Hunter Magazine is on board!

[SAMWolf]

Bump!

[Mo1]

When sending phone cards, keep in mind that for every ten minutes on the card at domestic rates, the troops will get about 1 minute at international rates (60 minute card = 6 minutes)

Oh WOW .. I wasn't sure what to get so I picked up a bunch of 120 minute cards

Only 12 minutes to call home for each card sure doesn't seem like a lot

I'll send what I bought and I'll try to mail some more later

[dware]

Every little bit help! Thanks for your support.

[dware]

BTW, I'm getting a website put together for updates and such - I'll keep you informed, if you don't mind!

[Mo1]

That's true ..

[dware]

LOL! Thanks for the birthday wishes - I have actually been considering going back for more mussels recently...call me weird.

Anyhow, thought you might like to see this. Boar Hunter Magazine is on board now, and I am working to get some others interested - would like to see if I can get some women's mags on board. We'll see!

[dware]

And another BTTT!

[dware]

Geewhiz! I JUST NOW noticed I spelled SUPPORT wrong in the headline - it's been an interesting day...

[blondee123]

I have forwarded your article to two teachers I know, to see if their schools may be able to help with letters & drawings for the troops. Good work you're doing.

[dware]

Thank you - I appreciate it very much, as do our men & women in uniform!

[blondee123]

BTTT

[dware]

Morning BUMP!

[Rabid Dog]

Good morning! Definitely let me know about the website progress.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Late night bump!

[dware]

Morning/early afternoon BUMP!