Posted on 03/03/2003 6:59:55 AM PST by dware
Operation Phone Home, an effort to support our troops with phone cards, letters, etc. is picking up steam. Since I first posted the idea yesterday, almost 100 people have contacted me asking how they can help. For those that haven't yet heard of Operation Phone Home, here's the info:
Operation Phone Home was started out of the need to show our support for the men & women who are willing to put their lives on the line for our safety & freedom. It was launched in response to a letter I received from a friend stationed in Kuwait, who mentioned that calls to family from Kuwait can cost up to $1.55 a minute. It was my hope that we here at Free Republic could show our support by sending phone cards and other items from home to the troops stationed in Kuwait and eventually other locations.
To give you an idea of what items are needed, outside of phone cards, I am posting the latest letter I have received from Kuwait. Here's the letter (I have edited some specific locations out, as I will not be responsible for posting troop locations, classified or not!):
Hello!
I've surveyed my soldiers and have some suggestions for you. It's very difficult for us to get back to ********** to get to the PX (which has lots of bare shelves and very little product as it is serving 18,000 soldiers instead of the usual 6,000 soldiers). We eat well, but have no access to things like snacks (chips, pretzels, and nuts, plus hard candy and gum). PLAIN Pop-tarts (no icing) are hard to find, but requested. We have cookies coming, so we don't really need that.
Also requested are: 2 cribbage boards and a Scrabble game, American magazines (especially sports pubs and a few for the ladies we have here, too) and newspapers. We get Kuwaiti papers, but it would be fun to see how the American press is covering this operation. If someone could videotape some regular TV shows -- Friends, ER, Frazier, The Sopranos, 24, The Simpsons, CSI, sporting events, etc. -- we have the capability to view them. We have Kuwaiti TV, but we can't understand it!
Also needed would be pocket-sized packages of hand sanitizer so we can stay clean when we're in the field, and soft toothbrushes. Those are always out at the PX.
If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Again, thanks for very much for your generous kindness.
END OF MESSAGE
Here's where you can help. I am in the process of putting together 'care packages' containing phone cards & some of the items mentioned above. I will be sending two such packages each month for as long as needed, starting on the 20th of March.
At first, these packages will go to the division of troops my friend is in. As we progress, we will begin to send to other units.
If you would like to take part in this, I ask that you send a phone card or two, along with a letter of support, drawings from children, etc. to me by the 1st & 15th of every month. I will then put together a package with the items received and ship them directly to my friend's unit in Kuwait. To get my address, FReepmail me or email me at warehouse@#gvii.net. I will get back with you shortly with further instructions. For now, here are some helpful hints:
1. Phone cards can be purchased at Wal Mart, Sam's Club, and Mail Boxes Etc. Keep in mind that for every ten minutes at the domestic rate, troops will get one minute at International rates (120 minute calling card = 12 minutes of talk time at International rates).
2. If you are a teacher, this could be a great way to get your students involved. Have them write letters of support for our troops, and send them along as well.
3. Talk to your friends, coworkers & family to enlist their help. Let them know what we are doing, and get them to pick up a phone card or two and write a letter.
4. Include your address with your phone card(s). This way, the troops can write directly back to you if they choose to. This, of course, is entirely optional, but necessary if you hope to receive correspondence.
So, now that you're 'in the know' about Operation Phone Home, get involved and show your support for our troops!
Red
That would be great if you could do that - I'm up to my ears in various FR activities at the moment, not to mention trying not to neglect family & work!
Just so you know, my friend is a unit commander, and all packages sent under this 'operation' will be sent to him with directions to distribute the items amongst the troops. I am also working with him to get the names of several other commanders, so we can do the same with other units.
Thanks for your help & support with this! You guys are too cool. Now if only we could find someone to tape various TV programs to send along... (hint, hint FReepers!)
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.