Just wanted to get this hub put together and get it out. There's been a lot of up date's coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq,...The better up date's. Lately All the Troop's have been going through some tough times, as we all hear,... as the news reports come out. But in this hub, you'll see that these battle's have not come and gone, without something good coming out from it. These Troop's have cleared and secured many different area's and because of their hard work, schools are being built, villagers who needed food, medicine and just basic clothes they have been able to help, Road's have been built. No matter how big or small these deed's our Troop's have done,...It makes a "World" of difference to someone else,..unmeasurable you could say.

But with these stride's come struggles,...Struggles we can be helping them with. Here's some of their Shout Outs,...

Soldiers continue to request school supplies so they can fight illiteracy as well as extremism. Also, the gifts increase bonds of trust between the local people and our soldiers, enhancing their safety.Send school supplies, and help US Soldiers give Iraqi and Afghan kids a promising future.

THE GIFT OF LITERACY: SCHOOL SUPPLIES

WHAT TO SEND: Into one plastic zip-lock bag approximately 10x13" (or smaller as long as the notebook fits), please put:

* one 8x10" or 9x12" lined spiral notebook with a blank cover (i.e. no Hollywood or cartoon characters)
* one pen
* two pencils
* a pencil sharpener
* a small toy
* a healthy treat, such as a fruit roll or box of raisins

You can include a thank-you message for soldiers in your box too.

WHERE TO SEND YOUR PACKAGE:
Iraq:
Meyers, Aaron D.
34th ID, Fires Cell
APO AE 09374

Afghanistan:
Nicholas Jelks
PRT Sharana, 1/2/203 ETT (KK)
APO AE 09311

SUGGESTED TOYS: Beanie babies, magic slates, coloring books, crayons,markers,watercolor paint sets, small stuffed animals, hot wheels cars, small balls, hair bows for the girls.

Requesting the Kaito KA007L Radio's

As the news reported it was a long tough battle to clear these village's out and try to re-insure the locals we are going to protect them. The Taliban want to isolate and make Afghans ignorant. Marines seek to connect and inform. They are requesting the Kaito KA007L radio's– powered by either hand crank, sunlight or batteries. Marines 1st Lt. Mike Kuiper explains, “The Taliban continue to prevent the people from being educated, keep the people in fear, and do anything they can to gain power.” Radios will help the Marines defeat the Taliban by providing a connection to the outside world and offering better information. I know for me personally, I feel safer having my phone near by to call 911 if I feel threatened. It was also mentioned that the people of Nawa can hear that the government is working, and are less likely to join the Taliban and kill American forces. That means a lot for our Troop's,....They need to get more of these radio's out to the not so friendly area's, Every single radio you send us will absolutely help win the hearts and minds of Nawa, and also allow them to get information that dispels the lies that Taliban send.”

UPDATE - Oct.20,2009

One of Spirit of America's supporters has offered to match donations up to $ 10,000 !! If they are able to reach that goal it will buy more than 1200 radios - which will directly impact approximately 9,600 Afghanis. This is the way they will win this war.

They have already raised $4,797 so they only have $5,203 to go. You can read more and make an online donation at http://www.spiritofamerica.net/cgi-bin/soa/project.pl?rm=view_project&request_id=183 or call  800-819-7875 or via check (please write "Marines Radios" on the check and mail to Spirit of America, File 50315, Los Angeles CA 90074).  Either way, 100% of your contribution will be used to buy the needed radios and ship them to the Marines.

Requesting Instant Cameras and Film

Lt. Mike Kuiper says, “Taking pictures of kids has helped them not be afraid of us, and shows we are friends. Winning over the kids makes us much more approachable by the adults too." It was also mentioned that they love to have piture's of themselves and family members but it's something they could never afford. Simple things such as a piture, really can go a long way,..it gives new meaning to a Kodak moment. 

Army Sgt Major Mack McDowell had wrote in with his shout - out,... he is helping to provide Afghan farmers a cash crop alternative to poppy. In 2007 Mack McDowell made a similar request and he was provided 40,000 saffron bulbs and farm tools. Mack McDowell was chosen as a CNN Hero for his efforts. It was mentioned that, The farmers know that saffron, or Zaffron as they call it, is grown in Herat where the market for it as an export spice is growing. Even more, it can be grown locally, and it will lighten the load on the underground Karez system. Which also means Alot to the Troop's.