Scott M Yonkers (U.S. Air Force/Kyrgyzstan)  is asking for help with gardening & do-it-yourself info to help with projects they're doing for a local village --

"In one of the local villages we are working on a garden to help handy capped kids, so the workers there for them to grow food. We are also making metal benchs in the community center/ town square so the locals will be able to have events and soccore games in the field near by. So if your into gardening or any type of do it your self projects any info we could pass on to the locals we be a great help, or and seeds or bulds for the gardens would be a great help too... Or if you have books on gardening or composting or things of this nature that you be very help full as we do not have all that much experence in this areas... "

Once again, proof positive, our service men and women have HUGE hearts --

--Marilyn

Stuart Tomasa (Army/Afghanisatan) is looking for school supplies.  "The Afghan children are eager to learn but lack basic school supplies.........The joy and appreciation the Afghan children display when receiving these items is overwhelming"  Only 16 requests as of 4/6/08; posted 3/3/08.

 Hello All,

I received an email from Kevin Hepner today.  I asked him to make sure to tell me what he needed. This wonderful man requested nothing for himself, but rather only for the Afghani children they are working with. He is so dedicated to what he does for the Afghani people on behalf of the American people, this email made this AS junkie's day!  How fortunate we are to have such dedicated and kind professionals in our Military.

Best,

Last week I sent a dozen pairs of student scissors, along with some magazines for the guys themselves to Stuart Tomasa.

LCDR Brent E. Cower is requesting school supplies and clothing for kids for their humanitarian efforts.

Rosemary

Bret T. Liberatore (U.S. Army/Afghanistan) and his unit are supporting an orphanage in their area of responsibility.  He is requesting our help with clothing, food, toys, and school supplies for the children.  Please see his post of 4/11/08 for more details.

Thanks,

--Marilyn

SSG Brian M. Meeler (U.S. Army/Iraq) is asking for help to support an Iraqi school.  Again, please read his post (4/11/08) for the details of this heartfelt request --

I'll tell you what, junkies -- I've said it before & it's worth repeating -- again and again -- our service men and women have HUGE hearts!

And Rosemary -- this thread was a GREAT idea!!!!

Thanks, everyone!

--Marilyn

Marilyn, I have requested both names (Brian and Bret) and will get something off by tomorrow.

Oh, Mags!  Thank you so much!  I'll be sending some things out to them, too, but probably not that quickly. It will probably be early next week.  So glad you could *jump* right on this!  You ROCK! 

--Marilyn

SPC Tyler H. Guyett (U.S. Army/Iraq) has asked for pediatric medicines, children's medicines and toys for the Iraqi children in his district.  He posted the request originally Feb. 20, 2008 -- his post of April 11, 2008 gives an update on the impact of the items.  Uplifting read, junkies! 

"As the summer time draws near, attacks generally become more and more frequent, but with the help of the local populace, we can impede the seriousness of their effects. We are now constantly asked for medicine and vitamins, pens, pencils, school supplies, etc."

Well, it's been a looooong time since I've bought Flintstones vitamins -- but I think I remember how to do it!!!!

--Marilyn

LCDR John Pethel USN has also visited schools and orphanages and his most recent post from 4-10 woll give you an idea of why the USA is the best in helping others and why hearts and minds issue is so very important. Great photos and write up.

I completely agree -- I had posted this in his thread, but VERY glad you posted it here in the Hearts & Minds thread, too -- our men and women are AWESOME, and I feel so blest and honored to be able to help -- it's a wonderful feeling!

Thanks!

--Marilyn

Jimmy Baker (U.S. Army/Afghanistan) (10 males) is asking for school supplies, clothing, toys, and candy for the children in their area. 

I read SSG Meeler's post and wanted to go right out and buy this stuff immediately!!!! I teach in a low-income school, but we receive state and federal funding, like most American schools, but unlike the Iraqi schools. I could just see the faces of my little students as I read this post! It was quite a heartfelt moment! Way to go SSG Meeler!

Daniel Liu is looking for things to put smiles on kids faces!

rosemary