Take time to help a soldier, won't you?

[CrackpotAmerica]

Hi, everyone!

Not to name any names or anything, but I met a good friend here at the DU who is currently serving in Iraq. We talk when he has time and I sent over packages of recrational stuff for his unit.

I want him and his to know that although I am opposed to our President, his war, and pretty much every fiber of his matter, my opposition does not extend to my eternal respect and gratitude to him and all of his peers in the Military.

As I pack up another package, I ask that all of you who have not done so to look around for a new friend overseas and send over something that we enjoy every day.

Send a newspaper, some non perishable food such as popcorn, some DVDs, books, magazines, whatever you think will help ease the burden if only slightly.

Although we oppose, we should recognize that we have the luxury of being able to run right out to the convenience or video store.

So, this one's for you, my new friend. You know who you are! I'm here for you and more is coming soon.


THX!

AGG

[rosesaylavee]

1. Good for you!

Thanks for the reminder of their sacrifice in this war.

To our service men and women: We support you all over there and we are fighting to get you home with honor!

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Is it not the case....

that phone cards are especially prized?

Easily shipped, too.

[CrackpotAmerica]

3. I heard that international cards are hard to use from Iraq....

I'll ask and let you know.

[babylonsister]

4. I've sent books to a military DUer, but

wasn't encouraged to send more. Can you provide some links to access some addresses? And while I hate this war, if I can provide something for a soldier in need, I will happily do so. Thanks!

[satya]

5. How about Anysolder.com?

http://www.anysoldier.com/

On edit: oops, this won't really help find DU soldiers. Sorry.

[CrackpotAmerica]

15. I'm not sure about that site.

I heard of it, but I am not sure if they send rhetoric over with your gift.

Plus, I believe that there are plenty o' DU members serving (as you said.)

Anyone know about that site?

Thx!

:)

[MADem]

20. Some things that are appreciated

Socks (yes, socks!), hard candy, kool aid (or any kind of powdered drinks), UNDERWEAR, instant coffee if they are in a real remote area, bean dip and cheese dip in the can, BABY WIPES (unscented are best), granola bars, breakfast bars, energy bars (not ones that will melt), snacks (Fritos are pretty sturdy)...and don't forget the poor bastards in Afghanistan...they are at the end of the supply lines.

There are lots of outfits that are doing this, hunt around via Google or whatnot, read up on the organization that is making the connection, and use your instinct to pick one that suits your philosophy. Alternatively, if you have a friend serving there, or friend of a friend, you could write to them and find out what is needed in that particular unit.

[Just Me]

6. My aunt's 7th grade class adopted my brother's unit.

They write letters and send magazines twice a month. They've also sent several CD walkmans and CDs.

My family has adopted them, too. We've arranged a schedule so that his unit will receive a "care package" every week,...and then some.

We are committed to showing our love for our troops. They are forced into circumstances they don't control and didn't expect and they deserve our support while we fight here at home.

[CrackpotAmerica]

7. Maybe Skinner can do a Roll Call? ?

Maybe he can have soldiers send an email to post different units or something.

Just a thought.

[CrackpotAmerica]

8. Off to bed, Spread the word! NT

[wrathofkahn]

9. A few additional notes...

For personal reasons I'd prefer not to discuss, we have selected a particular unit to support. We've sent several "care packages." A couple of notes for others doing the same:

1.) If you're sending books and/or magazines, be sure that they cannot possibly be construed as "Biblical;" those are forbidden in Muslim countries (it's easy to forget how some things could be considered "Biblical," so you have to kind of step back and study what you're sending critically).

2.) Nothing that could be remotely considered "pornographic." This not only means Playboy and Hustler, but also such things as romance novels. Basically, nothing racy is allowed.

3.) No meat, even canned meat. We thought a little tuna to go with the crackers might be appreciated, but it got tossed. Lesson learned.

4.) Ask at your local post office for the correct forms to send to an APO. You'll have to fill out a kind of customs declarations form. The good news is that the cost of shipping to and APO is relatively inexpensive: I think that we shipped a 50-lb. box for about $16 last time.

5.) You have to address your packages to a specific soldier; you can't just address your box to "any soldier in the 101st" or something like that, as the Post Office won't accept those packages.


Hope this helps!

[CrackpotAmerica]

10. Thank You, I Neglected to mention that. . .

Also,

Place BONA FIDE GIFT above the name and address. It really speeds up the process!

[annabanana]

13. thanks wrathofkahn

for the helpful tips..
and Welcome to DU
:toast:

[CrackpotAmerica]

14. Oh yeah, Welcome to DU! Sorry, I didn't see that you are new :) NT

[MADem]

22. Another thing to keep in mind

Smaller packages will get there faster--there's only so much room, and if things are tight, the mission essential stuff will get loaded first, then the letters, then the packages.

[H2O Man]

11. Recommended.

My sons have friends serving in Iraq. The last kid I trained to box competitively is there in the special forces. At least two of my relatives have been there off and on. While I do not approve of the Bush/Cheney policies, I have great respect for the military. As a person who recognizes that, in this imperfect world, my family and I benefit from a strong military, I am glad to have an opportunity to show my thanks. My extended family has been sending "care packages" all along.

[CrackpotAmerica]

12. I spent my childhood with the gloves on!

Used to got to Harrogate every day after school. .

Before that, my dad used to make my brother and I duke it out with those murderous 8oz. Sugar Ray Leonard - Franklin gloves. . .

I decided to get back into it so I can train my upcoming kids. Plus, marriage has made me a potato!

Remember Jeff Fenech?

[H2O Man]

16. Sure do.

He was a heck of a fighter. Trains guys now. We have a small group of boxing fans on the sports forum, that keeps up with a lot of the current crop of fighters, and that loves to discuss the great fighters from the past.

I bought my boys the Sugar Ray gloves when they were little. There is a pair that is a lot smaller than 8 oz, too. Good for 4-year olds! My younger son is thinking of fighting in some of the regional competition. Not as much in upstate, central NYS as there used to be.

[CrackpotAmerica]

17. I thought Kevin Rooney was still up in the Catskills. . .

That Buddy Mcgirt is one hell of a trainer now too!



I'll look for that forum and see you over there!

[H2O Man]

18. Rooney

was recently incarcerated for yet another drinking & driving charge. Good man, but he has to take care of business.

McGirt is a class act. I thought he was a lot of fun to watch fight, and I have nothing but respect for him as a trainer.

[wryter2000]

19. I've done it several times

I leave politics out of it if I don't know the person. Those folks have earned their opinions, and I'm not going to contradict them.

A great place to find soldiers is www.booksforsoldiers.com.

[Solly Mack]

21. I help a soldier daily :)

I also help several soldiers daily.

[CrackpotAmerica]

23. I love the NANNER! NT

[Solly Mack]

25. He's really a perky nanner - :)

[CrackpotAmerica]

24. Self Delete for Dupe. . .

[CrackpotAmerica]

26. Has anyone made any progress? NT