I correspond with a Marine Sgt that's leading his men in some pretty difficult conditions and when I asked him what I could do to help him out, he responded by saying...
Don't worry about me. I have some guys that don't have family and they could use something.To be honest.
I froze when I read that.
If you've been anywhere and done anything then you understand what its like to either be that guy or see that guy.
Back to my solution.
I also remember getting packages from well meaning strangers but at the end of the day it was nothing that I wanted or could use. I want to avoid that and because of how the modern US military infrastructure is setup (fobbit heaven I guess) many things can be purchased in country.
Things that the Sgt's guys can use.
Long story short I'm in communication with Pay Pal and I'm trying to set up an account in the Sgt's name with the instruction that proceeds will go to supply members of 3/9 LCpl and below with snivel or comfort items.
Its still a work in process and I intend to be totally hands off. If the idea is good let me know and once 3/9 comes home, we'll simply roll it over to the next unit coming in.
More info coming and I have a call scheduled with PayPal to see how this can be setup so expect an update this afternoon.
That is all.
its a good idea, and I am sure they will appreciate it. I am tight at the moment as I am finishing my phd but I will help. Guille
ReplyDeleteVery good idea. I had to deal with single (male and female) soldiers and it was toughest on them. Worse for those who come from dysfunctional or no family at all. The military was their family. No mail, packages at the holidays, just a bunch of “friends” on facebook. I asked my FSG to get friends and family to send a card by name to the single troop. The girl scouts were the best. Count me in.
ReplyDeleteI understand that the most dangerous time for a deployed marine/soldier was 90 days back in the world after a deployment. To come back to an empty wall locker and rack was disheartening.
To describe your comment as heartbreaking is an understatement.
DeleteGood idea Sol, let us know how we can help.
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic idea. I know that when deployed with the Air Force I was either stuck on a fob and didn't need any essentials or was out in the field and didn't want even more junk to lunge around.
ReplyDeleteI was always lucky to have a loving wife, but I did see how the younger airman, soldiers, sailors, and marines would get around the holidays if they did not have anyone back home.
Let us know what we can do to contribute when you have it set up!
According to my nephew, Former USMC 0311 while in both countries, of all the things we sent him a small yellow plastic smith knife sharpener was the most useful. The item he got the most fun out of was a coyote brown T-shirt with a cartoon chipmunk with the words "HANGIN' WITH MY PEEPS!"
ReplyDeleteThe son a Rotor tech, USMC,said nothing we sent was useful and was mostly a hassle to deal with, so not to send anymore of anything.
I never heard anything from the other Nephew who was crewman on a Phrog about stuff sent. We never heard from him at all. I guess a Line Grunt appreciates home sent goodies more than an air wing Marine.
Best would be just a simple card saying your missed, wish you were home, merry Christmas and be safe. Telling them your proud of them would be the best you could do.