Freezing Soldiers in Afghanistan Need Help From Oregon

[KevinsDriftboat]

I sometimes think my house is cold. Not anymore. Yes, we are talking about OUR soldiers being hungry and cold. Something I would not wish on almost anyone. God Bless you very brave men, help is coming.

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/j...boxes_1408.php

[Cornbread]

This also begs the question "why isn't the military giving them the things they need?". I hope they get what they need but it's a shame it has even gotten to this point.

[KevinsDriftboat]

This is an increadibly hostile area. Supplies are very limited. Only necessaries are airlifted in.

Search YouTube for: C - 2/503 Parachute Infantry in Iraq


http://www.npr.org/templates/player/...646&m=15891632

[lor]

Originally Posted by Cornbread

This also begs the question "why isn't the military giving them the things they need?". I hope they get what they need but it's a shame it has even gotten to this point.

I still don't get it.
How does the military not supply its own to the level that average citizens need to supply troops with additional items.

[Tom H]

It`s our great govenment ,they cluster Ef!%,,thing ever our great country ,why are you questioning this

[Dave G]

Originally Posted by lor

I still don't get it.
How does the military not supply its own to the level that average citizens need to supply troops with additional items.

The military supplies their folks just fine. You are in BFE, your rucksack only holds so much, the enemy wants you to give your life to your country. What are you going to put in the rucksack, a nice warm sweater or bullets?

[KevinsDriftboat]

There is the answer, so lets help our fellow countrymen in need. Like I stated, these guys are on the move constantly, fire fights daily with the Taliban.
They don't have time to wash clothes, they just wear em, until they cant be worn anymore.
Thank You Dave G.

[Mark Mc]

Something is confusing here....someone implied that the root-cause issue is....the difficulty getting the materials delivered, because of hostile territory.

But the article (and the title of the thread) alludes to the need for citizens to donate materials. Some excerprts from the article:

"This appeal is for each of you if you can, to purchase items off the list below or search for items you are not using in your homes and drop them off at 2339 State St Salem, Oregon 97301 or better yet, bring the items with you and help us out by packing boxes from 6:00-8:00 PM."
Baker says there is a list of items people can select from , those items include thermal underwear - tops and bottoms. Mostly size medium but some large and extra large. Must be black, dark grey or green, winter wool hiking socks - dark colors and hand warmers.
The soldiers also need construction tools - battery operated drills, etc. They also need hand tools such as saws, nails and screws. These are needed to assist in building and improving their "living" quarters.

This material still needs to get delivered & airdropped right? So is a private organization going to fly in there & airdrop it? Or is the military going to do the airdrop?

Either way, it sounds like the citizens are being asked to provide stuff that the military can not provide, for whatever reasons.

[KevinsDriftboat]

Supplies will be sent in USPS prepaid boxes which have proven to be the best method. Yes, the final step will be a Chinook Helicopter.
I know if I was far far from home in very hostile territory, I would feel a lot better after eating fresh baked bread, not frozen that turns to dust when thawed.
I will be sending a bread machine that I have never used.

[BCF]

With all respect Kevinsdriftboat.........this sounds weird.. Limited ability to deliver, limited space to carry, moving fast, private donations to the military??????? After several Trillion dollars burnt up in taxes on the military, shouldn't we start to wonder where is it all going? I don't want to hijack your good intentions, but we don't approve taxes to fund our local schools and public health programs because lack of accountability is brought up on how the money is wasted in the administration of those funds. I think I am going to have to cry for some equity in the system.

All respect for all you do for our Veterans, sending treats, notes creature comforts ,USO etc.....fantastic, but I have a problem supplying to our soldiers what should unquestionably already be supplied.

Again no disrespect to our brave soldiers fighting for us all,
BCF

[KevinsDriftboat]

No problem, I think everyone feels that way, at first. I have learned so much, and one thing I have learned is that its all good sending love to kids in really bad conditions. No Matter if they are 8 yrs old or 18. Lots of this stuff is also given to locals, off the record. These arent things they have to have. These are things that will make Hell a little more bearable. Ask anyone in the know, our soldiers in Afghanistan think we dont care about them, and that we have forgotten what they face every single day. My buddy Kevin knew only when he got to Iraq, why he would ever be sent there, in a religeous sense. It was for the kids. He loved kids. He loved his daughter more than anything in life. He left feeling forgotten already, his Parents, well, it wasnt good. His wife, that wasnt great. The first few months included Christmas, which they received nothing from home, it had been lost. He had to be a dad to the younger men, which was almost all of them. He was well known for never letting one of his men, or anyone, come home after a hard hard days work, without having a hot meal ready. Almost as good as new socks. If you have watched the you tube video, its very clear, and real.
I understand where you are coming from, and I appreciate your concern.

[KevinsDriftboat]

I think I will have some of these printed, and sent. Just a note saying I am proud of Oregonian Joshua Brennan on the back, with a little invite to go fishin in Oregon.


These guys are all camping, not much to come home to, folks in other areas have internet, lots of things. Not on the border with Pakistan.

[PGJPJ]

This is kind of a weird thread. Nothing really to agree or disagree with, it’s just the nature of being forward deployed in a battle zone. Not that I ever had it that bad, but I remember being extremely cold and hungry in Marine Corps TRAINING, even going a few days without any food at all. These are battle hardened warriors, not armchair quarterbacks.

Besides, if we all send them bread makers and chefs knifes they’ll likely just have to leave them behind on their next move.

Everyone in the military likes to receive goodies, I’m not saying don’t send these guys anything. But there is a reason the military isn’t supplying this stuff. No, it’s not the “gubment.” It’s the military, who has rules and regulations written in blood from wars past. What do you expect?

But it is good to remember that while we are all staying fat dumb and happy playing around on the internet, we have our warriors deployed fighting four their lives and ours.

-Paul

[cptnchaos88]

When I was in combat I caried the things needed to survive at the moment ( amo water med kit ) the other itoms were picked up when we could get back to the rear (once a week if lucky) clothes were worn for months at a time,my wife and friends sent most of the things I needed,better socks,flak vest,cold weather gear,the military just cant keep up with a fast moving inf unit in contact most of the time they are in the field,care packages are what we lived for,to be reminded that some one still loved us and cared,if we lived or died,rember they suffer so you wont have to,Im sending care packages to say thank you for a job well done.and pray for there safe return.

[MoJet Driver]

Originally Posted by Cornbread

This also begs the question "why isn't the military giving them the things they need?". I hope they get what they need but it's a shame it has even gotten to this point.

It's called politicians and which cannot not be discussed and debated on this forum. It is also the law (USC blah blah blah). It is a lot of political mumbo jumbo that only a veteran lawyer can understand. Bottom line is if Congress doesn't give the military money, these things will happen.

This a common problem in second and third world countries, the former Soviet Union experienced it. God forbid it is a road map into our future.

[Penobscot]

Don't blame Congress for not writing blank checks, and don't believe those who tell you Congress is why there are cold and hungry soldiers.
With all due respect, how do we make sure these supplies are going where they are said to be going? Again with all due respect, I've heard of people making a lot of money off bogus miltary donations. Goods being resold, checks being cashed, cash being kept. Those scams and those running them are out there.

I respect the soldiers as much as anyone, but it is up to the military to fund and feed and clothe the military.

[MoJet Driver]

Originally Posted by Penobscot

Don't blame Congress for not writing blank checks, and don't believe those who tell you Congress is why there are cold and hungry soldiers.
With all due respect, how do we make sure these supplies are going where they are said to be going? Again with all due respect, I've heard of people making a lot of money off bogus miltary donations. Goods being resold, checks being cashed, cash being kept. Those scams and those running them are out there.

I respect the soldiers as much as anyone, but it is up to the military to fund and feed and clothe the military.

And in all due respect, the defense spending authority bill comes from Congress. We (the military) are still under the continuing resolution authority because the President did a pocket veto. My original point was not to point a finger directly at Congress, but to simply state that it is in the hands of politicians who are elected officials from the House to the Senate to the President. Congress cannot write blank checks as you stated, however they can review the data provided to help them decide how they vote the proposed bill. I hope that I did not open Pandora's Box on this one, but the military does not have Carte Blanche on supplying their personnel with what they think they need, we are tied to a fiscal year budget and things have to be prioritized. Simply stated, the military gets their allowance from elected officials despite part affiliation. That's all. No heat, no emotion, just a description of the process.

As far as the donations scams go, you bet, they are rampant. Just like catastrophe relief. However due to spending laws, if a rich man decided to donate $1 mil, the military couldn't use it because the budget is not set up to accept donations for primary equipment needs. Donations are only good for the creature comforts like soap, toilet paper, candy etc. Mobility equipment normally has to be purchased through government channels like GSA accounts and the like. Hope this helps with the understanding of a conveluted system.

[HiTekRdNek]

If one to want to send some socks or long johns where would this be sent?
You need an APO or something. And doesn't it need to be to a specfic person also?
I can see were this direct approach might insure they recieve the goods.

[Irish Pennant]

I have recieved letters like this:

Schools in need of help from Oregon residents.
Some of our students do not have the means to purchase basic school supplies so we are asking for your help in supplying the class rooms with pencils, paper, note books, paper clips, staples, glue, chalk and any other items that you can. Let's see that all our students have a chance to succeed.

Thank you for your help, I know you care for the children.
Sincerely yours
M. Doe

My responce wasn't:

I pay a lot in taxes for public education. Why do I have to pay more for items for my kids education. The money is just being siphoned off to pay corrupt managers and bogus feel good programs that employ dead beats that couldn't find a job if their mother wasn't one of those corrupt officials.

I responded by pitching in and doing more than what was asked.
Our soldiers are in need of some supplies and care from the home front. I won't turn my back on them.

[MsOutdrs]

Letters/phone calls to our US senators and representatives...this is unbelievable. I know Darlene Hooley is SUPPOSED to be big on this, or so she says.

If its really for people in Afghanistan...then that is what should be stated. I wanna know for sure who I'm sending things to. I would do everything I could for our soldiers but, here we go again...we send these young men and women off ill-equipped. My question also was, like the previous posters, if they can get OUR stuff to these men/women...why can't the military? I'm soooo confused again!!!

[KevinsDriftboat]

Please read the article from Tim King of Salem-News. These are current specific needs of the 173 Sky Soldiers near the border of Afganistan and Pakistan. They will get these things pretty quick as we pay for the USPS boxes and they have to deliver the last leg.
I research these things, this is real, maybe I can have Tim or another contact jump on here, and keep us informed and updated.

I dont remember this much trouble when we sent fishing gear to Baghdad. Which was a huge success. They didnt have to fish, they needed to feel loved and appreciated. They feel forgotten. We can fix that real quick.

[Mr.Kitch'nPass]

Originally Posted by Irish Pennant

I have recieved letters like this:

Schools in need of help from Oregon residents.
Some of our students do not have the means to purchase basic school supplies so we are asking for your help in supplying the class rooms with pencils, paper, note books, paper clips, staples, glue, chalk and any other items that you can. Let's see that all our students have a chance to succeed.

Thank you for your help, I know you care for the children.
Sincerely yours
M. Doe

My responce wasn't:

I pay a lot in taxes for public education. Why do I have to pay more for items for my kids education. The money is just being siphoned off to pay corrupt managers and bogus feel good programs that employ dead beats that couldn't find a job if their mother wasn't one of those corrupt officials.

I responded by pitching in and doing more than what was asked.
Our soldiers are in need of some supplies and care from the home front. I won't turn my back on them.

Well said. Thank you.

[KevinsDriftboat]

Tim King in Afghanistan on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTAHq...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpUJe7jMSr0&feature=related

[Penobscot]

Originally Posted by Irish Pennant

I have recieved letters like this:

Schools in need of help from Oregon residents.
Some of our students do not have the means to purchase basic school supplies so we are asking for your help in supplying the class rooms with pencils, paper, note books, paper clips, staples, glue, chalk and any other items that you can. Let's see that all our students have a chance to succeed.

Thank you for your help, I know you care for the children.
Sincerely yours
M. Doe

My responce wasn't:

I pay a lot in taxes for public education. Why do I have to pay more for items for my kids education. The money is just being siphoned off to pay corrupt managers and bogus feel good programs that employ dead beats that couldn't find a job if their mother wasn't one of those corrupt officials.

I responded by pitching in and doing more than what was asked.
Our soldiers are in need of some supplies and care from the home front. I won't turn my back on them.

Yeah that's fine and if I can show up with school supplies at the school I will. I also know a pawn shop owner in Portland,who's biggest customer is pawning donated military goods. He doesn't think it's right, but it is making him a lot of money.
My point was,as others have stated, this thing smells sort of fishy, the scammers are out there, and beware. Ask for a receipt, ask for a letter of receipt by the soldier, claim a donation on your taxes.

[John Baker]

Gentlemen,

Tim King wrote an article about the box packing effort at my office 2339 State St Salem, Or this next Tuesday Jan. 15 from 6-8 PM. I have read your comments and would like to address some of your comments. We can critique logistical issues all day long but that does not change the situation of our soldiers. You have all been aware of a need and you have been made aware of a tangible way to help. What are you going to do?
All the information you need to support a soldier can be found at:
www.LoveBoxesForOurTroops.com this is not for profit in any way.

Why should you send boxes? I will attach here one of my favorite e-mails among the hundreds that we have received:
Hello Mr. Baker:

You don’t know me, but I am a US Government employee and contracting officer working with Joint Contracting Command located in Iraq. Joint Contracting Command is agency that has the pleasure of distributing the boxes to the soldiers that your organization is so graciously sending to Iraq. As the combat units rotate back through the International Zone they stop by our office and pick up the packages every Wednesday afternoon.

I don’t know if anyone has ever told you what tremendous impact that these boxes have on the troops over here. I have the pleasure of seeing the direct impact on the faces and in the morale of these soldiers when they receive these boxes. No matter how many times they receive a box they still can’t believe that someone that they don’t even know cares enough to send them not only necessities that are very hard to get over here, but other things such as candy and snacks. Most of the soldiers that get these boxes are not much more than kids in uniform (19-21 years old), but they have seen and experienced so much. All of them can tell you stories of friends in their unit that have been killed or wounded, which is a heck of a thing for a youngster to experience, and yet the boxes seen to take away a bit of the sting from the tough experiences they have to endure.

I can tell you one particular story of a time about two months ago when the IED explosions were so bad on the access roads that the mail trucks could not bring any mail in for about ten days. As usual a Private and two specialists came by our office to pick up the boxes and there just weren’t any boxes to be had. When I had to break the bad news to him the Private, who was all of 18 years old, looked like he was almost ready to cry. They really look forward to these boxes, and the individual combat units only rotate through here once a month or so. I felt so bad for that kid that I wanted to cry. As luck would have it, that same soldier was here on Wensday this week and as he walked in our office the wall of boxes that had arrived on Monday made his face light up, he was truly excited. They loaded up and went outside, as soon as they were out the door they sat down on the ground and opened the boxes and began to eat and loaded there pockets. The rest of the boxes were loaded in there vehicles for their buddies back in the units.

There is not much more to say other than a sincere thank you for the bottom of my heart. These boxes do as much for me as they do the troops because I have to joy of actually putting the boxes in their hands. I wish that you could experience that feeling because it is something that will radically change your perspective and your life. The Iraqi employees that work in our office cannot believe that the reason that you send these boxes is simply because you care about out boys in uniform and the people that send these boxes don’t even know the troops that they are sending them too. They have a difficult time understanding this concept because under Sadam, the attitude has always been just survival, with a me first focus.

My father told me when I was young, that when you are truly mature is when the most important person in your life is someone else and not you. You and your organization have proven how true that statement is.

Thanks so very very much for your support of the troops over here and I can assure that what you are doing is making a huge difference in their lives. Although I hope not, there will be another war in some other country in the future, and I truly believe that the troops that you supported today will take up the banner and support the troops of the future in those conflicts. In short, the kindness that you have started now, will carry on for generations.

My Very Warmest Regards

KENNETH H. NIX
SENIOR CONTRACTING OFFICER
WATER AND PUBLIC WORKS SECTOR
JOINT CONTRACTING COMMAND - IRAQ


I hope you will each send a box and maybe you will get a response like this one which will make you feel better than even the best day gone fishing.

Sincerely,

John Baker
Operation: LoveBoxes For Our Troops
503-364-6797

[PGJPJ]

That’s a really cool email. Don’t take our arguments to heart. We tend to argue about anything, including the time of day.

I don’t think anyone would not support your efforts. Thanks for what you are doing.

Thanks! And welcome to iFish

[KevinsDriftboat]

I have a truck with no canopy avail to take things to Salem soon from the Oregon City area. Please put items in large garbage bags or tubs.
Thank You, thats all I can say in response to that email. wow.

[KevinsDriftboat]

Welcome to ifish John,
Do you have a quick fishin story for us?
Will you have the Love Boxes Patches available?
Bless You and your efforts.
My boat is open to you anytime.

[Irish Pennant]

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

I have a truck with no canopy avail to take things to Salem soon from the Oregon City area. Please put items in large garbage bags or tubs.
Thank You, thats all I can say in response to that email. wow.

Where in OC and how soon?

[KevinsDriftboat]

TBA on the drop times. I am sure that John will fill us in on more of the logistical particulars.
I wonder if they are using sock liners, they should be.
Hotties are still at Costco 15 for a case.
Tuna and salmon in packets is widely available now. Awesome snack.
Never cold, never hungry, thats my prayer.

[John Baker]

Unfortunately Costco is sold out of the "Little Hotties" which were a great buy. I had a Costco Buyer look in to buying more but there are no more to be had. I made our Costco run yesterday for granola bars, cookies, etc. We will take anything that you provide and fold it into the packing supplies. They need reading material. Do you have any good sports or fishing magazines that you do not need?

As far as a fishing story, I do not get out enough to do it. I am mostly an amateur trout type guy that just enjoys the anticipation of a bite. My oldest daughter Natalie is now 20 years old and when she was about 5 we were camping and I had a chance to put a line in the water a short distance from camp. Natalie came by and asked if she could fish with me and as luck would have it I felt a fish nibble on the line. I told her that she could and I handed the rod to her and immediately the fish took the bait and she jumped about a foot in excitement. She was so proud to show the family the 10 inch trout that she caught(the only one caught that day.)
I did not know the significance of that incident until 2 years ago when Natalie as a senior at Sprague High School was a contestant in the Oly Pageant and during the competition they have the father in a Tux (looking like a buffoon) stand up on stage with his daughter as they play a recorded message of appreciation the contestant has for her parents. Natalie brought up her vivid memory of that day long ago as one of the best from her childhood.

[KevinsDriftboat]

Fantastic little fishin story, I can tell you are proud of that moment. Nothing like the first fish, mine was from Freeway Lakes. I remember it well.
I know Joes still has Hotties, you could try calling the Wilsonville Offices.
Target has the Champion base layer thermals, very good price. Can be worn for extended periods.
Target and Bimart both have good prices on Cliff bars, the Carrot cake is a great treat. Bimart has socks 40% off.
What can I help you find John? I travel and search stores wherever I go.

[KevinsDriftboat]

I can sure see the love fealt in this pic. I praise your efforts.

[BrianMaguire]

Seems like if I was forward deployed and cold, I would want Poly pro underwear, Smartwool socks, etc.

[freespool]

As a veteran if a extremely unpopular war, I felt a need to forward all this information to US Senator Ron Wyden, there is no excuse for not suppling our troops with the basic survival tools, while deployed in a war zone.
I will post his reply when I receive it.

USN Deployed Three Tours Southeast Asia 1969-1972

[Chromaflage]

Good thing that we're not being asked to donate our vehicles for steel, as was done in WWII.

If a couple pairs of socks or whatever would help lift morale and provide a bit of comfort, I'm in.

[Mark Mc]

Potentially stupid question but here goes:

Would it be risky to send something breakable, even if packed well? I am thinking about glass jars of our home-canned, Oregon-caught tuna. It tastes hella-good right out of the jar.

[Irish Pennant]

Originally Posted by Mark Mc

Potentially stupid question but here goes:

Would it be risky to send something breakable, even if packed well? I am thinking about glass jars of our home-canned, Oregon-caught tuna. It tastes hella-good right out of the jar.

I'd like to know too

[dolphinmarty]

Originally Posted by Mark Mc

Potentially stupid question but here goes:

Would it be risky to send something breakable, even if packed well? I am thinking about glass jars of our home-canned, Oregon-caught tuna. It tastes hella-good right out of the jar.

Funny but I was thinking the same thing as well.

[iwanttofish]

Please give us notice of when there is going to be a run down there and I will try to drop some things by.

Mike

[iwanttofish]

Are you going to be going to salem in the near future. I would like to drop some things off to be sent over to our soldiers if you are doing that. Let me know.

Mike

[KevinsDriftboat]

Yes, we need to get load down on Mon or Tues. at the latest.
I will most likely be at the High Rocks parking lot on Sunday around 10 AM if that works for anyone. I will confirm the time on Sat. Eve.
Send you old fishing and hunting magazines. Please.

[iwanttofish]

Ok I will see where you are at I am going to be over there at about 1-1:30. Can you PM me your number so I can hook up with you I am going to be buying some stuff at the store and should fill up a few boxes.

Mike

[KevinsDriftboat]

Target stores have begun putting cold weather gear on clearance, make room for Spring and Summer!
Look for 1/4 zip Champion long sleeve thin fleece 1/2 off, for soldiers the brown color is perfect, 9 bucks. Thick fleece PJ bottoms 10 bucks.

[John Baker]

When you drop off a box at the post office, they ask if there are any liquids, hazardous, breakable. You may want to tell a little fib. You can pack the glass in the middle of the box and make sure that it is well protected and the box is full so you have no movement of the contents. If you are sending socks, you may be able to slide the jar in to one of them. We send hot sauce to juice up their MRE's and they often come in glass bottles. Nothing is wasted and all that you send is used by someone.
Thank you for your continued interest.

[KevinsDriftboat]

John I have bags and boxes of gear and food for your effort.
When is the best time to drop this off?

[John Baker]

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

John I have bags and boxes of gear and food for your effort.
When is the best time to drop this off?

Kevin,
You can drop the goods off at my office at anytime tomorrow if you wish the items to be in the mix for this month. Thank you very much for your support for the troops!

2339 State St
Salem, Or 97301

[KevinsDriftboat]

See you today John. I've got a lot of stuff.

And to one local fisherman, who enjoys fishing and protecting my local river. I have a special box for you to share.


Thank You for your service and good work SSG Bassett. I will be throwing a line in the river for you. http://www.blackanthem.com/News/educ...uba13457.shtml


SSG Bassett
115TH MPAD
FOB Warhorse
APO AE 09336

[KevinsDriftboat]

Thank You iwantofish and Irish Pennant. Your contributions were well received and much needed.


You have a great little operation John. Kudos to your efforts to send love to those in need.

[Jennie@ifish]

What a great picture!

I think it's awesome that Grabbers does The "Share the Warmth" program.

It's a win-win!

I would be interested in dropping some things off, myself. ifish could make a huge difference!