October 27, 2009

FINALLY! Something worth posting about!

From down in the comments below, Chef Tony wanders by with a request:

"Hey y'all, my friend Shane is in the 'Stan. He & his troops are in the middle of nowhere and I'd like to make them a bit more comfy. If you can help by sending & asking others you work & know to help in this it's be great. I know I loved getting ANYTHING from home while I was in Viet Nam (68, 72) and I'm going to pay forward on that. Google has good info on how to pack and ship but I can help there too, 612 703 6573. Thanks much & take care."

Begin forwarded message:

Tony,

After sitting down with some of the boys and discussing "wish lists" I've nailed down a few items that would be in demand around here. Since we have no PX, toiletries are a real pain for us. That being said, the following is a cursory list of things the guys would like:

-soap
-toothpaste
-toothbrushes
-dental floss
-shampoo
-shaving cream
-razors
-foot powder
-deodorant

Some other items the boys would like:

-Christmas decorations (small fake trees, lights, ornaments, etc.)
-Snack foods (cookies are great--but anything would be good)
-books
-magazines
-coffee (the stuff in the chow hall is awful)
-drink mixes (Gatorade, lemonade, etc.)

This is only a very generic list. If there is anything else you can think of I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated. Just don't send items such as alcohol (sadly, we are not allowed to drink) or anything that might be restricted from going on an airplane such as explosives, aerosols, ammo, and other stuff like that.

Again, I thank you for thinking of us and your continued support. It means a great deal to know that the folks back home think about us.

Take care and God bless.

Shane

It just occurred to me that a mailing address might be helpful. ;-)

My address is:
MAJ Shane Gries
201st VTT
Camp Blackhorse
APO AE 09320

Thanks again!

Okay folks--I know I don't have very many visitors anymore, but for those who do drop in on occasion, this sounds like a great way to help out someone who truly is worthy of our gratitude and support. Even if you don't send something to Major Gries, there are hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women around the world who would appreciate something similar. I know in my own church congregation there are at least three of our members--two men on deployment and one young lady who is entering basic training--who look forward to letters and packages from home.

Take just a moment and think of their sacrifice, and please find a way to let Major Gries or someone like him know of your support.

Posted by Terry Oglesby at October 27, 2009 05:35 PM
Comments

Hmmm...lemme see what I can do. I'll keep you posted.

Posted by: vachon at October 27, 2009 08:36 PM

Thanks Terry. I can tell you going into the holidays getting stuff to decorate is so cool. We take so much pleasure in sharing them & when your 8k away from the Big PX... well I think y'all know what I mean.

Posted by: Chef Tony at October 28, 2009 05:54 AM

so glad I checked in today--always hoping you've posted something--and will spread the word and will get something off

Posted by: jacque at November 10, 2009 08:31 AM

Well, thanks for continuing to check in, jacque! That's quite a level of persistence you have there, as well as a high threshold for disappointment.

But more importantly, thanks for helping out--there are so many fine young people who need and appreciate anything you can do to help.

Feel free to pass along Chef Tony's information to anyone you can, or find someone else you know who could also find some cheer and comfort from getting a package from home.

Posted by: Terry Oglesby at November 10, 2009 10:51 AM