Thinking about soldiers abroad today. Some stuff that might interest . . . [View All]

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CALL 1 800 706 1050 AND LEAVE A 15 SECOND MESSAGE TO THE SOLDIERS AWAY FROM HOME. IT IS THE HOLIDAY AUDIO POSTCARD PROGRAM WHICH WILL AIR THE MESSAGES ON THE AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK RADIO.

A small Christmas tree is seen in the foreground as US Marines adjust artillery at the edge of the restive city if Fallujah, west of Baghdad. The continuing battles between Marines and insurgents in Fallujah are hampering reconstruction and the return of civilians, a Marines officer said(AFP/Tauseef Mustafa)



Posted Saturday, December 18, 2004
http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/

Christmas Wishlist...
I have to make this fast.

No electricity for three days in a row (well, unless you count that glorious hour we got 3 days ago...). Generators on gasoline are hardly working at all. Generators on diesel fuel aren't faring much better- most will only work for 3 or 4 straight hours then they have to be turned off to rest.

Ok- what is the typical Iraqi Christmas wishlist (I won't list 'peace', 'security' and 'freedom' - Christmas miracles are exclusive to Charles Dickens), let's see:

1. 20 liters of gasoline
2. A cylinder of gas for cooking
3. Kerosene for the heaters
4. Those expensive blast-proof windows
5. Landmine detectors
6. Running water
7. Thuraya satellite phones (the mobile phone services are really, really bad of late)
8. Portable diesel generators (for the whole family to enjoy!)
9. Coleman rechargeable flashlight with extra batteries (you can never go wrong with a fancy flashlight)
10. Scented candles (it shows you care- but you're also practical)

When Santa delivers please make sure he is wearing a bullet-proof vest and helmet. He should also politely ring the doorbell or knock, as a more subtle entry might bring him face to face with an AK-47. With the current fuel shortage, reindeer and a sleigh are highly practical- but Rudolph should be left behind as the flashing red nose might create a bomb scare (we're all a little jumpy lately).


PACKAGE TIPS

Packages sent to soldiers in Iraq must be addressed to specific people and include their military address. Generically addressed items will not be delivered.

The Army recommends allowing a minimum of three weeks for packages to reach Iraq by Christmas. Many people try to send things even earlier.

Senders are responsible for the U.S. postage needed to mail their packages to an Army post office in New Jersey. The Army pays for postage between the United States and Iraq.

Welcome gifts include snack foods, reading material, calling cards and personal hygiene items such as lip balm, soap and Wet Naps. Many soldiers do not have room for larger items.

My donation page:
http://www.returningsoldiers.us/donations.htm

Any other Christmas expressions or tips from/for supporting the soldiers abroad?