April 27, 2010: SPRING & SUMMER SUPPORT!

Hi there everyone,
I have decided not to blog unless it is an important reminder; daily blogs are not necessary as you can see. However, I wish to remind you that there are lots of ways to support our troops during the Spring and Summer months. Iraq is blistering hot - often with sand storms. Afghanistan, as noted before, is mountain weather which can be very hot during the day but chilly in both early mornings and nights. Having said this, it is clear our troops don't need the warm neck muffs during these months. HOWEVER, and I stress this, there are TONS of ways in which we can SUPPORT OUR TROOPS. Depending on budgets, here are some suggestions. My husband and I are about ready to send off boxes that include the always popular POPCORN that can be done in microwave ovens; long fruit rolls or dried fruit (they don't get much fresh fruit); beef jerky in any number of flavors; just add boiling water Ramens or Mac and cheese servings, etc. Stay away from items that can melt because often, these boxes go through some pretty tough heat. WHAT ABOUT KNITTING? Of course we should keep knitting and building up an inventory of balaclavas, neck muffs, warm slippers or watch caps so that when Fall and Winter months arrive, we have plenty to share with our troops.
Please also keep in mind the special needs of FEMALE MILITARY PERSONNEL. They are very present in both Afghanistan and Iraq! Check out specifics with female personnel as found on anysoldier.com - a wonderful website that has been my anchor for directions to our troops in both places: Afghanistan and Iraq. We also sent some foods specific to religious celebrations to our big base in Germany. Think ahead..
There is also a big push for both SCHOOL SUPPLIES and children's VITAMINS. This is never mentioned in the media, but our troops walk that razor's edge of protecting our country and helping the 'locals'. They donate school supplies to local schools. Any children's vitamins are given to their medical personnel who distribute them to local children. My husband and I are sending off a box filled with: composition notebooks; pens; pencils; colored pens, etc.
In this same vein, I have had Marines ask me to knit warm things for the local children, using indigenous colors and only wool. They want to give out caps and scarves to the children who are cold. Does this warm your heart or what? We raise caring and decent 'kids' in our country. Even when their lives are on the line, they reach out to be kind.
Lastly, but far from least, is the constant need to just send cards and letters to our military personnel. This is, as they have said to me over and over again, "money' to them. It warms their hearts and gives them hope and spirit in the down times. This costs only a U.S. Stamp, as ANY MAIL IS BASED ON U.S. CONTINENTAL COSTS FOR STAMPS OR FLAT RATE BOXES, ETC. In short, with an APO address, any card or note may be sent with just a .44 cent U.S. Stamp. MEMORIAL DAY is coming up, so send those cards and letters off early so they get theirs in time. Sad to say, all of our military personnel will have some emotional memories of comrades lost in battle. Also, I've been told that along with the beautiful weather of Spring, comes increased TICS (troops in combat). Mail-call can help to heal the wounds that can not be tended by medical folks.
So this is the message for now; won't bother you with daily blogs. Just keep on SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS with ACTIONS and not just words. Mushy e-mails asking to support our troops or pray for them are very nice; but our troops need more than that as signs of support. One dinner out at a fast food restaurant can represent a nice box mailed off with goodies. Think about it. Most of all, keep knitting and praying with every single stitch! I thank you and so do they.

General Mama and the Wool Warriors