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I have been an officer for my union for 18 years now. My membership in the local goes back to 1979.
We have been sending out care packages to any soldier that is stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan for almost six years. At first it was only for family members of the membership, then family members of the district council were added. About four years ago I decided that all it took was to just know someone over there and give me his or her correct address.
To date we have sent over 62 boxes to about 37 men.
We include cough drops, eye drops, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, Pringles, hand wipes, diarrhea and fiber pills (I had the chance to talk to a returning vet and he told me he was over there for 18 months and had diarrhea for 18 months), foot powder and foam innersoles, magazines, playing cards, and sunblock lotion and lip protection.
I have also sent them the Slinky toy as a stress-reliever.
The average cost is between 35 and 70 bucks depending on the items. The post office has special boxes for APO and FPO addresses and the flat rate regardless of weight is just $10.80.
I am lucky to belong to a giving labor organization, and getting these boxes together and shipped them out, for me, is a labor of love and a thanks for the commitment the boys (and most of them are only boys) have made for our country.
It's not a judgement of the war or the policy of the government -- it's just sending comfort items to those over there so that it might make their day just a little easier to get through.
We have also sent packages to the wounded warriors at Walter Reed and I plan to send some stuff to the new facility in San Antonio, TX.
It doesn't take much to make them happy -- try it.
Ten44,
I have a total new respect and admiration for you and your Union. If I may suggest, also send brushes and other firearms cleaning equipment. It has been received with enthusiasm.
Comments
I have been an officer for my union for 18 years now. My membership in the local goes back to 1979.
We have been sending out care packages to any soldier that is stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan for almost six years. At first it was only for family members of the membership, then family members of the district council were added. About four years ago I decided that all it took was to just know someone over there and give me his or her correct address.
To date we have sent over 62 boxes to about 37 men.
We include cough drops, eye drops, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, Pringles, hand wipes, diarrhea and fiber pills (I had the chance to talk to a returning vet and he told me he was over there for 18 months and had diarrhea for 18 months), foot powder and foam innersoles, magazines, playing cards, and sunblock lotion and lip protection.
I have also sent them the Slinky toy as a stress-reliever.
The average cost is between 35 and 70 bucks depending on the items. The post office has special boxes for APO and FPO addresses and the flat rate regardless of weight is just $10.80.
I am lucky to belong to a giving labor organization, and getting these boxes together and shipped them out, for me, is a labor of love and a thanks for the commitment the boys (and most of them are only boys) have made for our country.
It's not a judgement of the war or the policy of the government -- it's just sending comfort items to those over there so that it might make their day just a little easier to get through.
We have also sent packages to the wounded warriors at Walter Reed and I plan to send some stuff to the new facility in San Antonio, TX.
It doesn't take much to make them happy -- try it.
Posted by: Ten 44 | November 29, 2008 3:58 PM
Ten44,
I have a total new respect and admiration for you and your Union. If I may suggest, also send brushes and other firearms cleaning equipment. It has been received with enthusiasm.
Posted by: Danny | November 29, 2008 7:42 PM