(Photo by kayakbiker) After Bush first started the illegal wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, I "adopted" several soldiers over the course of a few years, and sent care packages each month. We sent an assortment of food, drinks, and recreational items, like footballs. Most of the soldiers engaged in email chats, and as I found out more about their likes, the packages were tailored for each. What I learned was that they were not getting 3 meals a day, so our packages provided foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We sent smoked wild salmon, tuna kits with mayo, fruit drinks, cereals and water because it was not always available either.
A soldier returning from Afghanistan recently stated how some soldiers actually live on our Care Packages:
Miles spent most of his deployment in Kandahar Province. They lived in a remote base with no running water or electricity.
"We lived on a lot of the care packages Support Our Soldiers Now sent to us," he said.
… Miles said he was grateful for all of the packages he received.
"We lived out of those for two or three weeks," he said. "They put all the right stuff in there."
Care packages show our soldiers that we remember and care about them, whether or not we oppose the illegal Bush wars. During our DK Subscription Drive, I remember reading so many comments from the script gift recipients who liked not having to face ads, particularly if they had dial-up service. There were also many gift recipients who were delighted that others in the community were thanking them for being here. Some did not even realize that we knew they were here. Now they do.
We can imagine how nice it must be for soldiers overseas far from home in war to receive packages showing we have not forgotten them:
But getting a care package from home can work wonders for morale, he said. “It is the best feeling in the world opening up one of these packages,” he said, adding that basic necessities like nail clippers, foot powder, socks and wet wipes, which can be used to take a wet wipe bath, can “make or break you out there.” It also signals to his troops, many of whom are young and away from home for the first time, that they are not forgotten. “A simple letter that says thanks tells a Marine that somebody back there cares,” Major Bourland said. “If they know the American people are supportive, my troops will walk through fire for them.”
… [Ryan Royer, Army National Guard] says receiving care packages from home brings out the kid in even the most hardened troops. “You’d never seen a bunch of grown men and women get so excited about beef jerky or Girl Scout cookies.”
… Staff Sergeant Royer confirmed that care packages of any size are deeply appreciated by the recipients. “It gives soldiers the extra drive to keep doing what we’re doing,” he said. “Whether it is a bottle of water or a video game, pack it up and send it because I guarantee you whatever troop on the other end who gets that, it’s going to be the greatest thing that happens to them that day.”
This is what
Daily Kos does best. We gift people in so many ways to let each other know that each person matters. We do it with community quilts, fundraisers, and with our political advocacy to make our world a better place for each person.
We're not alone. President Obama packed up 3,000 care packages with the 2009 Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers:
And our soldiers pay it forward. One soldier requested stuffed animals and lemonade packets from charities back home to give to children in the villages who were drinking dirty well water in Afghanistan. Soldiers in Iraq did the same, handing out care packages to children.
Care packages can make a big difference. And right now your donation can be doubled!
An anonymous kossack has generously offered to match your donation today, dollar for dollar up to $1000. So take this opportunity to double your donation. You give $10, it's matched with $10. NFTT gets $20. You give $100, it's matched with $100. NFTT gets $200. Help us make this a $2000 diary.
Please make a donation HERE. Thank you from the entire 2012 NFTT Team.
Netroots For The Troops Blogathon: February 20-24, 2012
Netroots For The Troops® is holding a blogathon this week to raise funds to send Care Packages to our soldiers stationed overseas. For the first time this year, we will also be sending Care Packages domestically to troops rehabilitating at Veterans Administration Hospitals around the country.
We are asking all of you to support our efforts and to also make a contribution for this worthwhile cause.
We are honored and delighted that Senator John Kerry (D-MA); Democratic Candidate for the United States Senate from Massachusetts, Ms. Elizabeth Warren; and former Governor Howard Dean (D-VT) will be joining us through this week. Many Kossacks will also be contributing their thoughts, ideas, and support during the week. |
Over the years, many soldiers have sent letters to express their appreciation for these Care Packages and even posted thanks at Daily Kos
It was in the middle six months of my assignment in Afghanistan that the packages started arriving. I received an array of things from them… letters, candy, toothpaste, floss, baby wipes, razors, food, socks, books, dvd’s. The list could go on and on. It was amazing. Netroots for the Troops was always there... The packages were a reminder that our country knows about our fight. Every day, because of their support, I knew that if it was going to be my last day, I would be remembered and I would be honored.
Please make a donation HERE. Thank you from the entire 2012 NFTT Team.
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