I know I shouldn't be thinking...as I always get myself in trouble when I tell people what is going through my little grey matter, but I was wondering if anyone knows, when a unit comes home, is another one deployed into the same space/facilities our units have put together?  Do our "guys" leave behind the DVDs, books, games, etc. we send for the next group to use?  Do they leave "Kilroy was here" type messages to let the incoming troops know about us or such.  Anyone have any answers?

Deb

Hi Deb, I know the 1st Infantry Div, 3rd Brigade out of Ft Hood is replacing the 173rd, some of them have arrived in Afghanistan already. Ft Hood has its own webpage-use google to search. Using the search feature and the KOP zip code, I believe contact Barry Moose might be one of the new units. Most of the guys I believe leave behind the MWR items-books, etc. Probably fridges, microwaves etc. I don't know if they mention the program or not, maybe depends on the individual soldier?

Anyone else have info?

Joanne

Yep, that's exactly what happens.  My husband is an ETT embedded with the ANA in the Korengal and fights along side a lot of these guys who are coming home in August.  He tells me how happy they are to be leaving finally!  My husband and the other ETTs will remain on these bases and a new group will be assigned to that area to take over for the 173rd.  Any books, dvds, that have been sent and left there will be used by everyone else who is still at the fob or firebase and the soldiers that are next assigned there.  I know that firebase vegas and firebase michigan in the Korengal have a little collection of books, dvds, etc. that is community property and kept in the computer/phone room for anyone to use. 

hi Jenna!

Thanks for the info! I'm mailing your hubbie's box friday, I got sidetracked with some Marine support pkges. Hope you guys are both hanging in there!

Hugs, Joanne

Hi Joanne! 

You may want to hold off on that box - there is a chance he is being moved south but we just don't know yet.  I haven't heard from him in a few days (to my dismay!) so I don't know whether that move is still in the works.  I'll keep you updated.  Thanks again for the support!!

 Jenna

Oh, Jenna... just when you think you get "settled" they shake things up for you!  Ugh! It's good if "south" means "out of the KOP" and/or to someplace with a teeny bit safer reputation (not that there's a safe place in Afghanistan...), but I know it took a while for you to even get decent communication with him.  I hope whatever move he gets goes smoothly for both of you!

empressfrancis:

... when a unit comes home, is another one deployed into the same space/facilities our units have put together?  Do our "guys" leave behind the DVDs, books, games, etc. we send for the next group to use?  Do they leave "Kilroy was here" type messages to let the incoming troops know about us...

I've heard the same thing as someone already posted re: libraries/MWR stuff and microwaves/coffee makers/etc. being left behind. I've also been told by several of my contacts that they have an overlap with the units replacing them and that they make sure to tell them about AnySoldier.

I try to send a few AnySoldier contact cards in my final letter/package to my contacts so that they can spread the word.

It is my impression that the contacts are supposed to leave behind all donated appliances, tvs, dvd players, cds, dvds, video games, video gaming systems, books, cookware, etc., essentially items that are not sent for personal use, but for the welfare of the unit.  I thought that I saw this on the site, but for now I can't find it.  (Maybe I made it up!!!)

I did find the following on the intro for the contact's application:

• I will pass on this mail and packages to the soldiers that don't get much or any mail first, but I am allowed to keep anything I deem I should within the intent of the effort.
• I am not allowed to sell anything I get from this effort, send back to my family, or otherwise use for my personal gain.

I remember one unit that was heading home or so they thought and threw out all their linen including pillows and blankets, and other stuff and then were delayed and asked for everything over again.  I thought they should have washed it and left it for their replacements or given it to the civilians.  It seemed like such a waste to me especially because it wasn't available there and had to be sent from the states.  Maybe that was the policy, but it seems like troops have scrounged from the beginning of time for the basics. This is just my opinion.

 Vicki

Michael L Metcalfe  8 address requests, Ft Hood

I don't know about Ft Hood or the unit replacing yet. My contacts haven't got the ok to say. They do say they'll tell me when it's ok who a contact is.

In the meantime, we do have a new address coming up on Korengal in search....not real comfortable saying in open forum what unit... till it's all over the news anyway... but he's out in the valley... baby wipes time!!

CPL Robert H. Schmidt

My Son is in the 1st Infantry Div, 3rd Brigade out of Ft Hood and he is leaving for the valley this  month.

Oh, make sure he signs up with AnySoldier and we'll support him and his unit.  Wishing he stays very safe.  Keeping him and you in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie

Any objections to a new thread for the new contacts who will be in the Korengal Valley? I took the liberty of starting one:

Korengal Valley, Afghanistan - July 2008 edition

Way to go Jenifer!

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49973