ATTENTION KORENGAL FAMILY & FRIENDS: I HAVE JUST RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM STEPHANIE HOWELL FROM THE FAMILY READINESS GROUP WEBSITE....

PFC Garlow's Mom,  I'm so sorry to hear this.  It does make a bad situation even worse.  I do hope they will be able to resume communication soon.  You may wish to edit the address out of your post, I know Anysoldier.com and we who post here are all trying to be conscientious about opsec on our end as well, and we've been making an effort not to divulge specific locations of our Soldiers.

All the best, Kristen

Oh, crap!  Thank You Kristen.  What was I thinking...I edited the address out A.S.A.P.

Crap...Crap...Crap!

Thank you.....Thank you.....Thank you for keeping me on my toes.  I guess that email really stressed me out and I wasn't thinking straight.  I am kicking myself...really hard!

Tamra

Tamra,

It's ok, take a breath The name has been posted before. I know how a mother can beat themselves up when they are worried about their child. We ALL need to remember to be more careful. The longer you live the life of Army the more normal it becomes, it's hard at first to remember to watch everything you say. We should probably just use general terms like FOB and OP instead of names.   

Deb

Thank you Bob & Deb for your support.  It's nice to have friends to help you out in times of trouble.  I guess I was getting so used to my son emailing me that when we can't communicate it scares me alittle...I mean alot.  I will try and take a 'chill pill'.  The only thing about that is I can't swallow pills...HA!

Tamra

Tamra,

From an ex-Army infantry grandma, drink a little chamomile tea, and take a nice nap.  We just can't tell those commanding officers what they should do with our boys no matter how much we want to 

Gran

Dear Tamra,

Something to be grateful for in this war, is the capability to receive phone calls and email even though far and few between.  

During WWII, it must have taken months to get a letter to someone and forget calling home. 

During Vietnam, it took at least a month and I never heard of anyone calling home from Vietnam.  

I know it has to be hard as a mom, but this is one of the times, that the safety of the troops has to come first.  With all the newest and latest technology it is a miracle that anything is kept secret for very long.

We will keep your son and all his buddies in our prayers for a safe return.   Thank you for raising an American Hero.

Vicki

Thanks Gran!

It's so great to have a wise grandma on here to keep us all sane.  I will try the tea, but as for the nap...I haven't taken one of those since I was 2.  I guess I'm due for one.

Tamra

Vicki,

I know I should know better, but my head and my heart sometimes are not aligned.

I've had many family members in about every war this country has fought.  I have 2 uncles still alive today that fought in WWII & Korea & Vietnam 2 of my great-uncles were KIA in WWII).   My uncle Eugene Hamrick was in WWII under Patton, and the stories he can tell.  Well, I bet you know because of your family's service.  Those stories are priceless!

Thank you for your prayers,

Tamra

First, Thank you Tamra (and all the blue star parents) for your sleepless nights and sacrifices. My young sons are tucked in their beds sleeping safely because of YOUR son, and for that I am truly grateful!

Second, Back to Bob's original thread......

I will send one electric hot pot (32 oz.) from Bed, Bath and Beyond.  (This is ideal for boiling water for tea, making ramen noodles, and so forth.) I will also include a measuring cup, a long-handled spoon for stirring, and ramen noodles. I will also get some bowls and boxes of plastic spoons. Unless I get some metal utensils, not sure yet. I have to check thru my recipes and drill my camp-fanatic friends for ideas.

I was talking to someone about plastic storage containers, and they suggested tins instead, since it is harder for mice to chew. I already have some small and medium size xmas tins that are empty. I think when I send any kind of dried soup mixes, rice etc, i will put it inside a ziplock inside a tin. I'm not talking very large, and then they can store other stuff in the tins when it is empty. Any thoughts?

I have a bunch of other stuff I have to get shipped to various contacts, then I can go back and send more stuff from Bob's list. I want to try and mail a box of easy canned soups, chili and ravoli stuff in a FRB every other week through the winter to these guys. Even if they can't heat it up, it will provide some protein and nutrients. Trader Joe's had some yummy looking canned stews with pop-top lids that might be tasty. Trader Joe's also has great dried fruit. (they are here on Long Island) I sent the guys some creamer and more coffee to go with the coffee pot I shipped, but no word if they received it yet. Just keeping my fingers crossed !

Joanne 

 Whoever suggested the tins deserves a medal!!  I have a set of these in the attic (or maybe the garage).  I will collect them and split the collection between PFC Calvert and SSG Salinas.  Thanks for stepping up with the hot pot and associated items!!  Once this insane week on Wall Street is done, I can turn from dealing with current and former students who work on, used to work on, or want to work on Wall Street back to those in harm's way. 

Bob

Hey Joanne,

I just talked to Chris, he said that some kind of coffee pot did arrive before he left for home. I am not sure if it is the one you sent, it sounds more like a percolator coffee pot.  At least they can now make coffee.

Angela

thanks, i sent a Mr Coffee regular drip coffee pot. The more the better!

I was a Walmart yesterday and picked up a measuring cup/spoon set.  Different sizes up to 1 cup.  I also picked up some scrub pads.  This was all thinking about Bob's post.  Who would be best to send it  to?  As for food, I have some canned soups/chili/pasta. 

Thanks,

Donna

Hi Donna,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe we are focusing on sending the stuff to the remote areas first. So, on the AS contact list, I would request the address for PFC Jonathan Kane or PFC Kirk Calvert. That is where I will be shipping the items I get.

Joanne