Our Hero Soldiers need Civies & Things for Quatar R & R

07/31/2003 | Ragtime Cowgirl

[ALOHA RONNIE]

NEVER FORGET

...Here's a chance for you to help do something DIRECTLY for our Hero Soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for our FREEDOM and future Safety in Time of War.

...The Quatar, Afghanistan Rest & Recooperation Center (R & R) is hosting 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, etc Soldiers from both Iraq and Afghanistan. Many arrive without a stich of civies (Civilian Clothes) in 120 degree weather. They need summer clothes i.e. T-Shirts (simple without political statements) that they can wear off base or around camp, shorts, swimsuits (No thongs or speedos, please) and more shorts. Everything needs to be in good taste so they can go on off base excursions without raising eybrows with the outside folks (Indigenous Personnel).

...The Quatar PX (Commissary Store) is small, sparsely stocked. CARE Packages are welcome with items like:

...Kool Aid, sunblock, BEEF Jerky, music; comics, the usual.

Mail Items to:

ARCENT-QA // ATTN: DOL // R & R Clothing Drive // APO AE Q9898 //

[Athelas]

I'm going to put together a care package this week. It's the least I can do and laying around in bed last night I really started to feel bad imagining our guys over there in hot, gritty tents getting sick.

I'll see if the girls at my husband's practice want to chip in. I'm sure they will. It won't be that difficult and perhaps it will help someone over there know we are thinking about them.

[Amelia]

We did a lot of them before the war started. Then, just before major combat began, packages were not being accepted.

It's probably time to send a few more. :-)

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you, Athelas. It means so much to them to know we care back home. Freepers DO.

Freepmailing you a bit more info on the Camp - for the girls at your husband's practice.

I'm asking VFW HQs to post the info as well. It's a great way to break the ice and talk about the wonderful job the troops are doing with others...and many want to help the troops and are grateful for the chance. Me, too.

[Interesting Times]

Here's a copy of the July 31 issue of Desert Mesh, the military newsletter from ARCENT Qatar.

It's in .pdf format, so you'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you for posting the link. We shouldn't post the article. I am not worthy authorized. We do know the cause is legitimate and worthy, and the need is real.

Adobe pdf converter.

We'll keep doing what we're doing without a PR 'kit.' Supporting our awesome troops is as easy as breathing, easier than selling Girl Scout Cookies...

...though I never wanted to punch a customer who turned down a Mint Thin. (^;

[Rummyfan]

Bump for later reference...

[Eagle Eye]

R&R bumps. Thanks.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

We'll keep the drive going until the troops have what they need - and know we love them. (^;

I do a bi-monthly blood drive in our community - posters up at ~ 25 buildings here, lots of decent seniors. Putting up R&R drive posters as well this week.

Also, the info may be posted at Sean Hannity's website soon. I'll post updates. Cheers.

[boxerblues]

another shameless bump

Got books taking up to much space? Donate to a good cause

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thanks, boxer. Saturday bump for the clothing drive. Off to e-mail local church groups.

[Athelas]

Almost done getting our stuff together. I was pleased at the response from the people at my husband's office. It looks like I'll have 2 boxes of various stuff to send. Only thing I'm worried about is shipping costs :p. Anyway, I should be able to send our package off sometime next week after I do a bit of shopping to fill it out in a few places.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you! Shipping costs are high, I know. Any young men in your office? It's good to pair those who want to help - would gladly chip in $$$ but dislike shopping - with those who enjoy the packing/shipping.

I think we can help make sure the troops arriving at "Club Med" never forget how much we appreciate them or how proud we are of their efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

For more tips on mailing letters, care packages - other easy ways to thank the troops:

8 Letters, Small Packages Get to Troops Quicker

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

SLIGHT REVISION in body of the letter (for forwarding purposes) + ADDITIONAL INFO: (basic info's fine)

 

*************************

'Here's a chance for you to help do something directly for the troops. We are hosting 3ID, 101st Abn, 10th Mnt, etc soldiers from Iraq and Afgahnistan for R&R. Many arrive without a stitch of civvies. They need summer clothes i.e. shirts or T-shirts (simple w/o political statements) that they can wear off base or around camp, trousers, shorts, swimsuits (no thongs or speedos!) And don't forget the women! Everything needs to be in good taste so they can go on off base excursions without raising eyebrows with the locals. Also, I'll bet that some small CARE packages with personal comfort items might be appreciated. The PX here is small. Thanks.'

Mail items to:

ARCENT-QA
ATTN: DOL (Director of Logistics)
R&R Clothing Drive
APO AE 09898

*****

If you need a contact name and e-mail address for verification, please Freepmail me.

 

********************************

No official rule on used clothes. The need is there. If it looks new, is cool and comfortable - send it. It's a 'high-visibility' facility so appearance counts. 

Thank you!

[CHICAGOFARMER]

bump

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you for the bump!

Word from Qatar last week:

"The clothing drive is continuing. In fact, the number of R&R military members arriving here daily is growing exponentially and is slated to last at least through December."

"Thanks so much for your support!!"

Thanks, 2J!

[DianaN]

My husband has summer clothing he has never worn. I will be mailing them out within the week. God Bless you for this opportunity to help our beloved soldiers whom we are so thankful for.
Diana Nielsen

[SW6906]

Regtime, several times in the past I have sent boxes of cigars to active duty SF soldiers through another Freeper's contacts and have gotten letters of appreciation in return. Do you think it would be appropriate to send (factory sealed) boxes of cigars to this effort?

I ordered them from JRCigar.com and then mailed them to the contact address who forwarded them to his active duty contacts. I'd rather go more direct, if this is an appropriate avenue....

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

I am so sorry for missing your ping. Any troops deployed with a craving for a fine cigar, my deepest apologies!

According to a link from our wonderful Blue Star Mothers, cigars are not on the prohibited list:

Prohibited Items

• Aerosol Cans
• Firearms and Pyrotechnics
• Flammable Liquids or lighters
• Any matter depicting nude or semi-nude persons, pornographic, or sexual items
• Alcoholic beverages or materials used in the production of alcoholic beverages (distilling material, hops, malts, yeast, etc.)
• Pork or pork by-products
• Any matter containing nonauthorized political material. This refers to material that could be used to impose our political view on the host country. It does not prohibit mailing a US flag or a picture containing a flag to a service member.
• Religious Material contrary to Islamic faith. This refers to material that speaks out negatively against Islam and material sent in bulk in an effort to convert or evangelize. It is acceptable to send a Bible or religious tapes or books to a service member.

http://www.operationshoebox.com/

I am sorry for the delay. If you have any questions, please Freepmail me. That way I'm sure to receive the message.

[The Right Stuff]

Bump!