I would like to ask for your support in our efforts to provide for our American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed (in Afghanistan). I am asking on behalf of my fellow service members ... I do not wish to drain your resources so anything you could send would be better than what we have access to here.
Currently we have no PX, BX, MWR, library, or USO but we are working on that every day. With time we hope to improve our situation, with your help we can reach that goal sooner.
Items needed: Personal items (non-bulk). Soldiers are limited for space.
Large bottles of liquid soap and shampoo take up so much room. Many Soldiers are on the go and require small compact supplies that can be packed and stowed easy. These are just a few of the items we require.
Total of 120 people in my unit but (our) camp supports at around 800 Americans. Any support would be wonderful.
Thank you,
J.A.
Later comments on specific needs from J.A.
* We currently live in tents.
* We need shower curtains (x20) and shower heads (x10). For some reason, shower curtains and heads are a big demand item. We go through these very quickly because they are poorly made.
* Female soldier mentioned "I miss smelling like a girl ..." I suppose comfort items that are perfume scented.
* Inexpensive sun glasses. We go through sun glasses like crazy here. Soldiers can buy glasses here in Afghanistan but they only last a week or two and they are expensive.
* Right now soldiers use the small towels, as the cold season nears, large towels will be in demand.
* Small flash lights to read books are in demand.
* Recreational activities are little to none. Soldiers work 12-18 per days and then wash, eat and sleep. I was thinking perhaps football posters, banners, etc. would help decorate the environment.
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I wish you could see the excitement of the faces of my co-workers as they are told that boxes from the Airborne Angel Cadets have arrived. Smiles turn into mischievous grins as the competition to position themselves around the boxes begins as each person wants the best position to see what is in the box first. Once the boxes are open is when the real fun starts as the bartering and trading and racing from box to box looking for the elusive sleeve of Oreo Cookies, drink mix, packaged snack, blow-pops or favorite toothpaste causes mayhem.
With the sincerest of appreciation I thank you for your thoughtfulness, concern and never ending support.
Colonel Paul
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My apologies for the late note.
The troops of the 838 Air Expeditionary Advisory Group received all seven of the care packages two weeks ago. We all appreciate the snacks, toiletries, toys and especially the coffee! Thank you and all of the Airborne Angel Cadets for all you do. It is great to know Americans like yourself give your time and effort to send us reminders of home...thank you!!!
Sincerely,
Mario
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... thank you for all the goodies. The Soldiers really appreciated them. I have begun to receive some of the new shipment already. Our time here is starting to wind down as we have about two months left here. I really appreciate the support you and the Airborne Angel Cadets have given us. You guys and gals have helped more than you can ever know.
The unit that is replacing us is one of my sister Batteries, so I will get in contact with my replacement and see if there is anything that they may need when they get on ground. If there situation is like mine when I arrived on ground, they won't have anything for at least the first two months. I will let you know. Thanks again.
Martin
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Dear Cadets-
I just wanted to say thank you for all you do. We all very much appreciate the packages you send us. We especially like reading the letters and cards included in them, it's a good reminder of what we're fighting for over here. America is a great place because of people like you.
Kind regards,
Kevin
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Ma'am,
I wanted to thank you and your organization personally for the items we recently received. Especially the shower heads and shower curtains.
Soldiers have a tendency get a little rough with delicate equipment. I have attached a photo of our flag poles here on Camp. Again thanks so much for all the support. I have been in the Army for more than 29 years and the support from home continues to grow and get stronger.
V/R
SGM H
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I appreciate all you have done for me, the Warlords, and Task Force Shadow. The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas are a great organization and I am glad I had the opportunity to interact with you.
God Bless,
Tom
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