Brett C. Liberatore's unit asks nothing for themselves but are trying hard to support an orphanage of 400 in Afghanistan of 250 boys and 150 girls. I posted previously through another thread and am adding here. If anyone would like to see photos which he just sent me send me a PM with your email address & I'll be happy to forward them.
This is the text from my inital post:
Bret Liberatore and his unit of 32 from Maryland, have "adopted" an orphanage with 250 boys 4-18 years old and are seeking clothing, food, educational (including books to help them learn English) and school supplies for the boys. The soldiers are asking nothing for themselves, only the children. See his post as of May 10 if you wish to support their effort. Remember, after July 4, many stores like WalMart offer killer deals on school supplies....a great time to stock up!
He answered lots of questions I sent to him with this email. Here is the text from his email to me today:
Dear Debbie,
I received your letter and wanted to answer some of the questions that you had regarding our efforts here. I (and my team) appreciate your support and hope that this letter provides you with the information that you need. I don't have the opportunity to write very often since our primary mission takes the majority of my time, but when I do have down time I try to respond as quickly as possible. So don't worry about any "missteps" or concerns, nothing you can do is wrong. We are all trying to do the best we can and I appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration for our Troops down range.
First I'll address your questions regarding clothing. All clothing is greatly appreciated by the boys and girls at the orphanage we are assisting (approximately 250 boys and 150 girls). The school clothes for boys are generally brown or khaki slacks and solid colored long sleeve button down shirts. They normally don't wear ties or jackets (way too hot over here) and the shoes are basically what they can get. There is always a need for everyday clothing, socks, and underwear and the younger girls normally have the same dress standards as the boys (casual). It is only when the girls reach their early teens that they start dressing conservatively with head scarves and chadors (head covering light jackets).
The children here do study English and some of the care providers speak basic English. The World Book encyclopedia [I am sending him this set of encyclopedia for the school.] and other Children's Books are also welcome so that the kids can be exposed to additional language training. They are all very hard working and studious so any educational materials are certainly welcome.
Your food and agricultural questions were intriguing [I asked about the orphanag growing fruits and vegetables to help feed the children as considered sending seeds and fruit trees.] and I addressed that issue with the headmaster. He informed me that they still need to do some groundwork in order to prepare the land to produce their own fruits/vegetables and we are going to address that issue with the local reconstruction team and hopefully make some progress in that area. But you are correct in the assuming the locate climate is very inhospitable to agriculture and there are steps that need to be taken so that they can one day become self sufficient.
Like I said, no need to apologize for asking questions. You are trying to do the same as I: provide as much assistance as possible to achieve maximum results. Thank you so much for trying to help the children out. Without people like you we would not be able to succeed in our limited endeavors. I attached some pics for you from some previous visits that I hope you enjoy. Please write back if you have any additional questions/concerns/ideas and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for your support and your thoughts and wishes. Until next time...
Sincerely,
Bret Liberatore
SGT, USA
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AS supporters, I know our focus is mostly on sending blessings to our young people who are serving our country over there, but again, if we can gain friends and the hearts of the children over there we might be safer from terrorism and keep our "boys and girls" safe at home in the future, no?
Debbie -- (Proud grandaughter of WWI Army LT sharp shooter, and daughter of WWII & Viet Nam "Liberty Ship" veteran)
"...To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded." --Ralph Waldo Emerson