Awesome super thick and over-sized twin blankets in fleece at Kohls right now! $14 and $19 versions. I got 3 for Arroyo and 2 each for Calvert and Schmidt. Plus a few throw size at Walgreens for 1.99!!

My Sams has not gotten the hand warmers in yet dangit. hmph! I'm watching for them tho. Also got microwaves to Calvert and Arroyo before the deal was gone... they're gonna need somethin to heat up :) S'all i got for now. Shelly

 Apropos of really nothing, I thought I would share an insight I had during and IM conversation with my son a couple days ago.  He doesn't want to talk about what it's like there or what happens there.  One, because he doesn't want to live it again.  And two, because he knows his mom and I worry anyway and doesn't want to give more fuel to that fire.  What he does want is to be taken back home for a little bit by hearing happytalk news from home.  So I gave him lots of happy little detail about life back home, and I think it felt good for him.  I didn't learn much about him other than that he is ok and thinks I worry too much, and on reflection that's really all that's important.

 I'm sure that this is probably old news to everyone and I've just been dense.  But it's helpful to know that I need to just support him with joy from home and not bug him to tell me how things are there.  In my job I mostly listen, it's good to know this time I need to talk and not ask questions.

Anyway, it was an insight for me.

Well Bob, we could say a million different things about what we *think* they need, or what other guys who've been over there need, but it can't possibly feel right and true until you hear from your son exactly what *HE* needs... that's irreplacable, priceless information.  I'm so glad he was able to communicate with you!!!!  I am sure that "hearing your voice" (even in type) is the absolute greatest comfort to him to matter what you're saying. {{{hugs}}}

Costco did have the handwarmers,  80 to a box for $14.99, I have 5 boxes to send out.   They also had some Wigwam Merino Wool/Acrylic Boot socks  3 pack for 11.99.    I'm going to send them right over and see if the guys like them, if so I'll get a bunch.

 Too bad I didn't go to Kohls, they are right next to Costco!  Great price for the heavy fleece blankets Shelly. 

Anita

Thanks Soldier's Dad - I 'sort' of knew that, but always worried about prattling on about happy stuff when they are in such harsh conditions so far from family, etc. I worried it would make them miss home just that much more so thanks for sharing this info.        Anita

Anita, that is an excellent bargain for those Wigwam socks. A friend of mine sent Garrett 2 pairs of those Wigwam socks at $9 each pair and he loved them. I sent him a couple of pairs of moisture wicking Under Armor brand socks and he said he liked the Wigwam ones a little better, they were slightly thicker. Darn, I think I let my Costco expire. I'll have to renew it. He said all the guys like getting good socks and anything for foot comfort since their feet take a beating on the mountain terrain.

Hugs,

Donna

Donna, I have a couple pair of those thick Wigwams right here!! I'll mail them to Garrett tomorrow with one of the fleece blankys and some hot chocolate  Hugs! Shelly

I looked at our Costco last evening and couldn't find the Wigwam socks, nor the hand warmers. They must only carry them in colder areas.

That is wonderful Shelly. Thank you. I know Garrett is going to love having them.

Donna

Hi! My husband is the 6-4 Squadron Commander. If you have a Soldier in that unit (spouse or child), you may be getting information from our Family Readiness Group. If not, please contact me at: myblogmail@comcast.net. I will have to verify your information first, then will set you up as part of our group.

Your support is GREATLY appreciated by all of the Soldiers! Unfortunately, there are Soldiers who are not able to access the internet regularly to post requests or updates. We are working through the unit Chaplain to make sure their needs are met, too. If there are any Family Members who would like more information, again, please contact me at the above email address. We are focusing BIG time on sending the guys cold weather support right now, too. Have y'all been checking out the weather over there lately? For those of you who have supported Soldiers in that region in the past, you know what lovely, white winter is coming. ;)

 Again, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all that you are doing to support our wonderful Soldiers.

 --KLM

When you're looking at blankets, think about the thinner ones. Easier to layer and lighter to carry. Less bulk = less hassle. Also consider darker colored blankets, no fringe. Fringe holds dirt, hard to clean.

Hand and foot warmers are very much needed. Good, thick hiking socks, good thermal undergarments. Hats that are thin enough to fit under helmets. Yes, the hand and foot warmers will be in great demand. Probably could be used on some of the cold nights already hitting them.

Some of the guys that are way out in the boonies have asked for satellite phone minutes. I think these come on cards, but I'd have to investigate more. Requested were small minute cards, though, so they could use them up for their call and not have to "share", or one Soldier use up a big minute card. I don't know. There are guys who do NOT get many calls home at all because of their task at the moment. The unit has bought them satellite minutes, but my guess is they could use more. These are the guys you won't hear from often, as they can't access this great website of yours.

I work specifically with our unit Families. I'm not requesting items for you to send, just sharing some of the requests I've heard from the Troops forward. I'm especially concerned about our Soldiers who are not able to get on the internet or phone to email or ask their Families, friends, etc for care packages.

Reading the posts y'all have written has really warmed my heart tonight. I can't even describe how thankful I am for such wonderful American's like the posters here, sending their prayers and support to our Soldiers. ;)

--KLM

Hello KLM :) It's awesome of you to post for us here! The winter needs are something we have been trying to help with recently and your input is very very helpful. Thank you so much for that. We have a couple of 6/4 contacts signed up on Anysoldier. I have one, Harrison (and there's a few in the thread about Plate Carriers). He's on an outpost, remote, however not quite like the guys you speak of! Holy cow can you believe what they endure. We are so awed by them. The 6/4 CAV serves a function with our Korengal guys I know, similar to the 1/91 last year with the 173rd, tho I'm not sure in exactly what way :) I'd love to help out. If you do get some info on the Satallite minutes, probably a link would really help to where we could order these?, would you please post that here too? We do have quite a few parents here, so it would surprise me if a few aren't lurking around that are 6/4 folk :) So thanks for them for the FRG info! Would love to have you stick around the forum! Shelly

Thanks for the info KLM.   Are satellite phone cards different from regular ones?     I have some contacts in 6/4 Cav and have sent cards but they were regular phone cards.     Have 5 big boxes of hand warmers, lots of micro pastas,  and a bunch of other things, will start packing boxes tomorrow.  Found some good foot warmers at WalMart too. 

Please keep us informed, Anita

There are guys who can access phones and use the regular phone cards. But there are guys who can't, and I THINK they are using Thuraya satellite phones. One of the wives told me they needed cards with a small number of minutes, because once they loaded a card on a phone, that card usage stayed with the phone until the minutes were done, so it couldn't be used by just the one person who may have paid for the minutes. One guy gets 20 minutes, the other uses up an hour... I will look into this more and post later, see if I can get her contact for purchasing those cards.

Yeah, I know the contacts y'all have listed. I smiled big time to know that they were doing such a good job looking out for their guys. Those who are married, I know most of their wives, too.

Okay. I THNK there is a heater that can keep stored water warm enough to not freeze, but doesn't actually heat up the water. It gets placed INTO the water container. I think I remember seeing something like that for my bird bath, so the birds could actually bathe during the winter. That is DEFINITELY something they could use up there, and I haven't heard of many folks sending them things like that.

I'm glad there are guys online getting items to help their section, but if it's okay I'd like to find some contacts who can represent the guys who CAN'T get online at all (satellite phone guys). If you're interested in getting stuff out to them, too, I'll see what I can do.

Again, thank you for your support. The 6/4 CAV guys are an amazing bunch. They seem to have pretty good morale, even with their tough mission and cold weather zooming in. They are very fortunate to have folks like you to help make their mission a bit more tolerable. ;)

--KLM

Hi KLM-

Thank you to your husband & YOU for your MANY sacrifices serving OUR country. I truly appreciate it!

Thanks for the great winter recommendations for the guys. I have a question. I know there is a lot of support for the 6-4 Cav by groups that are not on Anysoldier. Do you have any idea if there is a person or group supporting the 1-26th "behind the scenes", so to speak? Since you are at Ft Hood (?), I figured you might know.

Keep the ideas coming!

Joanne aka LongIslandGirl