Email just rec'd from one of our contacts in Afghanistan:
I just returned from a wonderful 8-day trip to Forward Operating Bases (FOB) (in Afghanistan). I was able to observe Combat Soldiers and evaluate their living conditions and needs. On the FBs, which are all less than 1-mile in diameter and house approximately 40-Soldiers, are where the biggest needs are. They don't have restrooms, showers, hot meals or communications. I initially brought one box of y'alls goodies with me, but needless to say, that wasn't enough. So since my return, I packed 2-more boxes and the pilots are going to try to fly me out on a special 1-day trip to drop them off.
So yes, I have received many many many of y'alls boxes - thank you so much! The blankets, sheets and mattress pads went fast and were greatly appreciated! And some of the flip flops I donated to the Combat Support Hospital (CSH) because when wounded Soldiers come through, some times their uniforms and boots have to be cut-off and thrown-out or while they are hospitalized they only have their boots to wear.
Yes, I could use counseling type items such as stress balls, self-help literature (anger management...) and I make these "Soldier Survival Kits" with brown lunch bags, thin yellow ribbon and they are filled with "Lifesavers - to remind you of what you are; Gum - to remind you to stick with your unit; Tootie Rolls - to remind you to roll with it; Starbursts - to give you a burst of energy when you really need it; Laffy Taffy - to remind you to laugh whenever you can; Smarties - to remind you to use knowledge in order to do the right thing," so if you know anyone who would like to donate these items so we can continue to make these for Soldiers morale, that would be great!
We are also starting a "KickIt" program for nicotine addicts so if you know anyone who would like to donate gum, mints, chew sticks (ie Tea Tree Therapy Toothpicks can be purchased at Whole Foods), that would also be great!
And yes, most Soldiers have the capability to watch DVDs.
And yes, there are local children I have access to here. In fact, myself and another lady were thinking of sponsoring a girls school or orphanage.
Yes, it is starting to get a little warmer. Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything special for the warmer weather - except maybe kites. Supposedly kites are a big part of the culture here. Possibly Soldiers can use them to build better rapport with the locals.
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