Posted on 03/13/2003 3:51:39 AM PST by snippy_about_it
Edited on 03/24/2003 5:57:11 PM PST by Admin Moderator. [history]
Time to prepare
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Dear Mom,
It's really your decision to march if you want to or not. You are the one who has to decide if what we are doing out here is right or not. My opinion is not yours.
I do, however, have things I would like for you and Grandma and everyone else at home to know.
I am a United States soldier. I was sworn to defend my country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. People may not agree with the things we are ordered to do. I would like to address those people by telling them that terrorism is not only a threat to us as Americans, but to many other innocent people in the world.
What type of country would we be if we didn't defend the rights and freedoms of others, not because they're Americans, but how about just because they're human?
We live in a country where people feel secure with their daily lives. They do business like usual and don't worry about the thought of terrorism actually happening to them.
The people of 9-11 thought the same thing. We now know that it can happen to anyone at any time.
Yet as Americans we're afraid of losing our soldiers to defend our security. I can only speak for myself when I say that my life is an easy expense to ensure that my family and friends can live in peace.
I strongly believe in what we are doing and wish you were here to see for yourselves the honor and privilege that American soldiers aboard this ship are feeling, knowing that we are going to be a part of something so strong and so meaningful to the safety of our loved ones. Then you would know what this potential war is about.
We will stand tall in front of terrorism and defeat it. We as soldiers are not afraid of what may happen. We are only afraid of Americans not being able to understand why we are here.
I ask for your courage as Americans to be strong for us; I ask for your understanding in what we believe is right. I ask for your support in what we are sworn to do: defend our country and the life of all.
We will succeed in our task and will end the threat of terrorism in our back yard. We will also end the threat of terrorism in our neighbors'.
We have to remind ourselves of what this country stands for: life, liberty and justice for all. In order to maintain those rights we have to stop the threat of terrorism.
I am proud to be here. I will be coming home, but not until I know that it's going to be safe for all Americans and for everyone I love.
My family is first. My country is where they live. I will defend it.
P.S. Mom, please send this to everyone who has a hard time understanding why we are here. Ask the paper to put what I've said in a column so that others will know why we are here and what we are here for.
I love you all and will be home soon. I left my address so that if anyone feels like writing to let me know how they feel, they can.
Before sending a package, please check the zip code here for any restrictions Military Zip Code Restrictions
With each package you will need to complete a customs form. There are two different sizes of customs forms depending on the size of your package. The postal clerk will be able to assist you in completing the proper form.
A good idea is to visit the post office ahead of time and pick up some blank customs forms.
If you want your package to be sent to the FPO/AP staging location via air, you must send it PRIORITY MAIL, otherwise it will go by truck depending on your location.
IMHO I would rather send it PRIORITY because the time it takes to move out from the FPO/AP to the ship or foreign country is long enough (2-4 weeks).
I also want to say that even when and if the war against Iraq begins, mail will still be delivered, so don't let that deter you from sending something to express your support, package or even just a letter.
The cost of mailing a box can be a hardship on some and I would encourage folks who can't afford to send care packages to please send letters, it will be appreciated and means just as much.
Now for some ideas on what to send if you are mailing a care package. Below is a list of things actually requested from both our Navy folks and Army folks, not everything will ship well to everyone.
The ships have more amenities and can receive a greater range of goods than say a soldier in Camp Doha.
As an example, for Camp Doha I would send tea bags and instant coffee rather than coffee beans or perk coffee that the ships can use. They same example probably works for microwave popcorn, the ships yes, the tent camps, probably not.
The number one request is BEEF JERKY after that,
Chocolate
Cookies
Potato chips
Pretzels
Crackers (saltines)
Microwave popcorn
Gummi bears (or anything gummi)
Assorted hard candies
Blow-Pops
Coffee beans
Various magazines
Stationary
Hand lotion
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Blank greeting cards the troops can send home to their family and friends
Paperback books
Soap both bar and laundry (laundry especially for the Army Camps)
Cadbury Creme Eggs!! (bkwells special request)
We've also heard from veteran's previously deployed during the Gulf War that flea collars keep the sand fleas off the soldiers when they wear them around their ankles, also for the soldiers in the desert, socks and underwear.
I suggest on your next grocery trip you just think about what will ship well and what they might be able to use or what they would like to have that they cannot easily come by so far from home.
Keep in mind, for our troops on ships, they don't have a lot of room to store things but can certainly share any excess, the same for the Camps in Kuwait so if it's food your sending don't worry, it won't last long anyway as our troops share with others.
I'm sure other here have ideas of things they have sent and can give additional ideas. And troops, you just holler out and let us know, you too veterans. We can always use ideas.
Good to see you.
Good morning Tom!!
Good Morning!
How be ya today?
the Canteen survived?
Oh sure did, can't find the coffee pot though, do know were it is?
What happened to the tables and chairs?????
I came here from a link by 68-69-Tonk
I am Nitro.
A poor old US Navy type...
act accordingly!!
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