Last Minute - Cards for Iraq Soldiers

[Trek420]

One of my friends who I train with (Aikido) is married to a Green Berret. He's done two tours there (at least). He's home now thank higher power great pumpkin of your choice.

Anyway he said that a lot of these kids don't get letters from home, they may be estranged from family or in some cases family members do not know how to write Others the family is close and literate...but so scared it freezes them and they don't write.

For whatever reason some don't get mail.

The comanding officer will know who gets mail often and who doesn't. He or she will make sure these troops get mail.

So these types of letter drives are a great way of letting them know we care back home. Keep doing this.

[pooks]

Her son is the commanding officer and he's the one who suggested the 120 minute phone cards. I think that gives them about 15 minutes to call the US. He said when the guys get cards with LOTS of minutes on them, they tend to tie up the phones and then get mad at each other for, duh, tieing up the phones so the others can't use them! It helps having some inside info.

We're also sending some other stuff they need in bulk, and letting her son figure out who needs/gets it. But we wanted to send the cards to everybody!

Thanks again. I'm glad your friend is safe.

[Trek420]

Bill says snacks, candy, "junk foods" always welcome, they are out on patrol for long times so any way to clean up such as the little floss things, handy wipes, mini things of sun screen, books and recent magazines there is "down time" and things to read are welcome...

[pooks]

Thanks! I'll pick up a lot more of that stuff to send -- we're also sending lots of Starbucks coffee. (I'm assuming the Lt. likes it, but he's promising it goes to all the guys!)

Which reminds me -- I was going to ask my local Starbucks mgr. if she's able to donate any to the cause.

[Trek420]

I think for any of the supplies you pick up let stores know what you are doing. They may either discount or throw more in....

You do know also not to mail it to Iraq?

Each soldier has the equivelant of a domestic address that will be forwarded to them in field. Whether you know his address in Iraq and mail it straight there...or to the army domestic one...it's on the same d*&^ plane so spare yourself the postage.

[crazycanuck]

Pooks. Just want to say thanks to your son.

You've just reminded me that i need to send some cards to the Aussie/Canuck/NZ troops overseas.

Please let your son know that people on the other side of the world are thinking of him & hoping he comes home to his loving family safely.

Take care

c

[pooks]

No, not my son. My friend's son. But I'll certainly pass along your message to him and his mom! Thank you!