Thank you all for who support the men and women who so valiantly
put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms.
Thank you all for who support the men and women who so valiantly put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms.
A little background information. Our son is a Marine, 20-years old, and is in Iraq. He is base camped rather than on the ground so his needs are different than those who are more “nomadic.”
Our military can be working 12-14 hours a day seven days a week. They need time to stay in top physical form, as every Marine is first a rifleman, and they also need time to rest and relax, which is equally important to their well being. Temperatures will be hitting 100-120, if not higher, and the sand fleas are coming out in full force. The bite of a sand flea, if it gets infected can be debilitating and life threatening. Packs/gear can weigh up to 80 pounds. Showers may come every two weeks or more. That said, here are some items of great value and highly requested.
Socks, green if possible–heard that Dickies brand works well, and if you want to treat our troops, Thorlo is great. Remember the nomads will wear for a month and then toss. If you get a great deal, and it’s only for white, snag ‘em.
Underwear–briefs, preferably mediums and larger sizes (but don’t forget the female military).
Plastic sealing/ziploc bags, all sizes. Sandstorms are so bad, you sometimes cannot see your hand in front of you. Sand and dirt gets everywhere–so you need to protect your equipment, gear, food, letters from home–everything. You are not allowed to put anything but water in your canteen, for health reasons, so if you want to drink something besides water, you will use a zip loc to mix the drink.
Eye drops, nose drops, tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, foot powders, anti fog drops for goggles, eye glass cleaners. Ask your dentist, eye doctor for donations.
Mending kits for when a uniform gets ripped in the field. Desert-colored cami’s are being worn presently.
Throat drops as everyone gets a cough and cold when they first get there, and the Vitamin C drops are much requested.
Q-Tips and cotton balls, hand sanitizers, Lever 2000 Body Wipes are most requested.
Bug sprays–20 percent Deet is great. Sun screen, lip balm, unscented lotions and creams for dry skin.
Bulk toiletry items are also welcomed–manicure kits.
Our Women can use sports bras, small and medium grey or black, bobby pins, black or brown rubber bands to keep the hair off their face and gels or non-aerosol hair sprays.
Coffees and teas are welcomed. Hard Candies such as Blow pops, Jolly Ranchers are great. No chocolates. Protein bars are much coveted. Blister packs of chewing gum.
Gel anti- perspirants–the others melt in the heat
Insoles for boots. Fly swatters, fly strips, small battery powered fans.
DVD’s are being requested as many of our military have purchased small players–CD players and music also are treats. The rest/down time helps keep our military sharp.
Small travel sized games, cards, greeting cards to write home, stationery, pens, pencils, and most needed are letters of love and support from home..
Sketch books, drawing pads, mechanical pencils and lead refills, paints, etc. for quiet times.
We are working with the American Red Cross Santa Clara Valley Chapter of Operation Care and Comfort Military Care Packages Program. Since April of 2003, more than 38,000 pounds of good have been shipped to our troops.
Donations of bulk items are gladly accepted, as well as monetary donations as shipping costs are the greatest expense of any care package program. Shipping is usually $1.00 a pound. If you would like to help financially all checks need to be made payable to Operation Care and Comfort and are tax deductible.
Donations may be shipped or dropped off at American Red Cross, Operation Care and Comfort, 2731 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95134
Details: Julie DeMaria at 408- 373-8635 or Mary Ellen Salzano in the South County area at 408 -779-6916.
Prayers are always asked for by our troops as well as letters from home. Individual names are not shared, for the safety and security of our military. If you would like to write, please include a self addressed envelope or a card with your e-mail address on it. Even if you do not get a reply, please know that you brightened a life by your generous donation.
Mary Ellen Salzano is a Realtor for Century 21 Premier. She lives in Morgan Hill with her husband and two children. She also is a library commissioner. Her columns, Sharing and Caring, are published the third Friday of the month. Contact her at ma***************@***oo.com
