We support our troops????

I have mentioned before that I live in a military town and that my Dad proudly served in the United States Army for 30 years. I have been hearing many rumours of inadquate supplies, lack of body armor overseas in Iraq, soldiers' families forced to go on food stamps, etc. Army recruitment levels are way down (I wonder why? )

Various retailers around here are fond of putting up big banners reading "We support our troops!" My friend Lisa, whose husband is currently fighting over in Iraq, and I have a standing joke that those banners are a sure sign that any military person who enters the establishment is going to get ripped off by an outfit that knows good and well that the soldier is going to be shipped overseas at any time and will have more things to worry about than getting taken for shoddy merchandise back stateside 3 months ago.

I volunteer for an outfit called "Soldier's Angel's" Each "angel" is given the name of a soldier overseas to write letters to and send little care packages for. My adoptee is a woman with the rank of Spec 4, currently stationed in Iraq. She requests things like personal hygeine wipes (no showers), granola bars and other snack foods (always in extremely short supply). hand or body lotion, a pack of kleenex. And video games to deal with both the boredom and the fear (takes one's mind off stuff for a while).

So today I get this e-mail from the local "angel" co-ordinator (the volunteer group is a national one so if UG or anyone else cares to put their money where their mouth is, pm me and I'll give you the info on how to re up as a volunteer "angel"). I hate the Iraqi War. I think its tragic and stupid. But I am a 1000% behind the young men and women who enlist in the military to serve their country. I am completely enraged that our soldiers must come back from Iraq and be forced to rely on charity as in the following:

Hello
I am -------- here in Colorado Springs and I have been privileged to work with Patti and Soldiers Angels for over a year now. My YoungHeroes.US organization and Soldiers Angels.Org co-sponsored a Concert at Iron Horse Park on Ft Carson last July 3rd to thank the troops there for their service. Patti suggested that I send this email to each of you.

This past week a small group of Soldiers Angels volunteers came to the rescue of a very ill soldiers family here in Colorado Springs. One of the soldiers angels ladies who responded to helping this family is also the wife of a soldier at Ft Carson. She sent an email to me last night that I am copying below for you to read. I talked with her husband and they both agreed for me to send out this appeal to people in Colorado and especially to people in the Colorado Springs area.

"My husband is with the 3rd ACR, and just got back from Iraq a week ago. He is helping to set up and organize a welcome home for the remaining soldiers that are due to return next month on Feb 9, 2006. He needs help with about 450 single soldiers that are coming home that will be returning to empty barracks rooms. We were trying to find some help to get them toiletries, shampoo, food items, etc, for when they get here. If you can help, or know anyone that can, please let me know.
Thanks
Jenna"

Jenna and her husband live in the same apartment complex that I do which is very close to Gate 3 at Ft Carson Army Base. We are asking people to ship to or bring to us as many of these items that you all can. If you know a manager or owner of some stores perhaps you could contact them and they would be willing to donate items as well. All items can be shipped or delivered to:

--------
YoungHeroes.US
---------
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

[xoxoxoBruce]

How do I ship 450 hookers?

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

How do I ship 450 hookers?

LOL, Bruce! I think they're on their own for the hookers! You're a pip (already told you that)!

So we have BigV and we have Bruce. Anyone else from the Cellar want to show their appreciation for the men and women of the 3rd ACR, arriving home on Feb 9th?

[richlevy]

It would probably be more efficient to send them a check and have them pick what they think the soldiers will need from K-mart, Wal-Mart, etc. Do they have a bank account under youngheroes.us?

Also, can items be delivered without at least a PO Box. I'm sure being a military town, the post office knows who they are, but I always assumed you at least had to have a box.

Yes, here you go. I spoke on the phone with the man who who is organizing this welcome for the returning troops, and he gave me permission to post his info. All donations should be made to YoungHeroes.US. If you have any questions you can contact Bob Calvert below:

Bob Calvert
YoungHeroes.US
4245 Pebble Ridge Circle #85
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
www.talkingwithheroes.com
Email Address: bob@youngheroes.us
Phone: 719-359-5235

Also, anyone who cares to respond or donate can make comments in this thread and your words will be passed on to the members of the 3rd ACR returning home to Ft. Carson, Colorado!

PS And, no, I was not paid to hang around here on and off for the past two years by the US Army so I could suddenly pounce with spam for the 3rd ACR. I was actually hoping to spark a discussion about what great sacrifices the members of our military make make for so very little in return. I am both surprised and gratified that so many here wish to welcome home the 3rd ACR!

[Tonchi]

You can definitely count me in. But if it's not personal items we are sending, I have a problem with sending money to anybody who does not have some sort of oversight. Sadly, a lot of "appeals" that are pitched do not end up passing on most of the donations. Not that I'm suspicious of this group, I'd just rather send the money or whatever to you or your friend so I'd know it would get the best use in the best place

What I'd REALLY like to do for my part is send Thalia's CDs and posters to the Hispanic soldiers

Go for it Tonchi! If you'll note in his e-mail he asked only for donations of items like shampoo and personal care stuff, etc - NOT cash. Soldier's Angel's which is a national organization and strictly on the level is helping to sponsor his efforts. I'm sure he would be delighted (as would the soldiers!) to receive the Thalia CD's, etc. Call or e-mail him and ask!

[xoxoxoBruce]

I am both surprised and gratified that so many here wish to welcome home the 3rd ACR!

Why are you surprised, only UG's camp wants them over there.

[Dagney]

Mari,

While I'd love to help, my 'limited' support budget is going to support my brother's special forces unit that left for Afghanistan 2 weeks ago, and will be away for a year. I do send my thanks for to those who have already been, and my blessings on those who will still have to go.

Dagney

[Elspode]

Originally Posted by marichiko

You're a pip

You've left out the letter 'm', dear.

[richlevy]

Originally Posted by Tonchi

You can definitely count me in. But if it's not personal items we are sending, I have a problem with sending money to anybody who does not have some sort of oversight. Sadly, a lot of "appeals" that are pitched do not end up passing on most of the donations. Not that I'm suspicious of this group, I'd just rather send the money or whatever to you or your friend so I'd know it would get the best use in the best place

What I'd REALLY like to do for my part is send Thalia's CDs and posters to the Hispanic soldiers

Well, if you check out Guidestar.com, you will find this (free subscription required).

YOUNG HEROES PROJECT <table> <tbody> <tr> <td>545 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302 </td></tr></tbody></table> <hr> GENERAL INFORMATION

<table> <tbody></tbody></table>

• This organization is a 501(c)(3) Private Nonoperating Foundation.
• This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-PF.
• Contributions are deductible, as provided by law.

<hr> NTEE Code

T20—Private Grantmaking Foundations

A dishonest person could just as easily steal supplies as money. Rather than guess what is needed and pay shipping for toiletries, I'd rather make a directed donation. They might even have a way to get a discount and make the money stretch further. I will send the money to Bob at the Colorado Springs on Monday with a note as to what it is for, but make sure the check is made out to Young Heroes Project.

I'm not going to say what amount I am going to give, but I am going to challenge Urbane Guerilla to put up. Since he sometimes acts as if he's a thousand times more of a patriot than liberal/moderates like me, he should be able to come up with $1000.

I know that giving money to a cause is not a real measure of patriotism, even though G-d knows enough soldiers die over other peoples money. Still, if it will get some people here to fork over a few dollars from their 'beer and bullets' fund, I figure a little goading might work.

**NOTE** I just spoke with Bob. Young Heroes.us is not a 501c3, but Soldiers Angels is, so I will be sending a check to him made out to Soldiers Angels.

[Urbane Guerrilla]

Mari, thanks for the address. I'll send them something.

Rich, mister big mouth, how 'bout you put up that thousand, then? Money where mouth is, and all.

How about it? Is it worth your unloading a thousand bucks to put me in the shade? It'd at least be doing something constructive, and possibly tax deductible? Cool either way.

You support your troops?

On March 4, 1865, thousands of spectators gathered near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, to hear President Lincolns second inaugural address.

"With malice toward none, with charity for all,
with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right,
let us strive on to finish the work we are in,
to bind up the nations wounds,
to care for him who shall have borne the battle
and for his widow, and his orphan,
to do all which may achieve and cherish
a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

Already in late 2004, PBS had begun reporting on the affects of the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on soldiers serving in Iraq. 72,000 cases have been diagnosed to date; additionally, it's been reported that nearly 90 veterans have committed suicide while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or after returning home.

Incidents of violence at the hands of returning soldiers towards family members and strangers alike are also increasing stateside; however, statistics on military-involved stateside homicides or suicides are not tracked (surprise) by the Pentagon nor the massively under funded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).PTSD

At least 3.6% of U.S. adults (5.2 million Americans) have PTSD during the course of a year. About 30 percent of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD. One million war veterans developed PTSD after serving in Vietnam. PTSD has also been detected among veterans of the Persian Gulf War, with some estimates running as high as 8 percent.PTSD

It has become one of the most shameful realities in this country. The number of veterans who return home to the US and end up living on the streets or in homeless shelters. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, nearly 300,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and almost half of those are Vietnam vets.

Now, with the occupation of Iraq and some 150,000 troops deployed there and thousands more who have returned, a new generation of soldiers are facing the same realities experienced by their colleagues who fought in Vietnam and in other conflicts. Some of them are suffering from the effects of depleted uranium; others from post traumatic stress disorder or mental illness sparked by their time in the zone of combat.Homeless Veterans

Congress has appropriated $10 million for additional PTSD programs and outreach to returning veterans.$10 million

Very generous, 10 million dollars. It is not even a fucking Band-Aid. How many billions a week on bombs, napalm, white powder etc, etc?

Supporting your troops? Pfffftttt

One million men and women soldiers have passed through either Iraq or Afghanistan, do the math.

September 7, 2005 - 2 murders
A 22 year old Fort Lewis, WA soldier was arrested and held on $2 million bond in connection with the shooting deaths of a fellow soldier and a woman shot multiple times as they sat in their car outside a tavern. Police suspected the crime was a botched burglary attempt. The military refused to give any information regarding the soldier, so it's unknown if he'd served overseas or not. [The Seattle Times: Soldier Arrested, Bail Set in Fatal Double Shooting]

August 7, 2005 - 1 suicide
A 23 year old Iraq combat vet, only 11 days earlier decorated with the Army's Combat Action Badge, shot himself in Tacoma, WA. [Seattle Weekly: Home Front Casualties]

August 3, 2005 - 1 murder, 1 suicide
A 35 year old Fort Carson, CO 2nd Brigade Combat Team soldier who 9 days earlier had arrived stateside after being sent into combat in Iraq for a year from a South Korea base, shot his wife five times in the head and neck with a pistol before killing himself with a shotgun blast to the head. The couple were the parents of a toddler; neighbors said the soldier had signed up with the Army in Jan. 2004 for access to health benefits because his wife was expecting a baby. [Colorado Springs Gazette: Carson Soldier Kills Wife, Himself]

August 2, 2005 - 1 murder, 1 injury
A 20 year old Iraqi veteran (who'd served in the 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, TX and sought treatment for PTSD after his return), was arrested for the shooting death of a man and woman in a Las Vegas alley. The returning soldier was on a 1 am beer run to a 7-Eleven, wearing a black coat with an assault rifle tucked under his arm. The couple had apparently yelled at him to get out of an alley. After firing on them, the young soldier fled the scene and returned to his apartment for more ammunition. [Las Vegas Review-Journal: Iraq Veteran Arrested in Killing]

July 12, 2005 - 1 murder
A 19-year old Iraqi infantryman based out of Fort Lewis, WA who'd seen action in Mosul and had suffered head injuries after being thrown from a vehicle by a bomb explosion in March for which he received a Purple Heart, stabbed his 18 year old wife to death on base. He had been receiving counseling for behavioral problems. [Seattle Times: Soldier Charged in Wife's Death]

October 14, 2004 - 1 murder
A 22 year old Fort Riley, KS soldier was arrested for the murder of a Chicago store manager in an armed robbery. The Army Specialist was attached to the 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, 2/3 of which had recently returned to Fort Riley from their second tour of duty in Iraq (where 4 others had been court-martialed for the deaths of Iraqi civilians). [Kansas State Collegian: Soldier Arrested in Murder Case]

October 8, 2004 - 1 domestic assault, 1 suicide
A 37-year-old Fort Eustis, VA soldier (returned only the month earlier) from Iraq hanged himself in jail over the weekend. Police say he hanged himself with a bedsheet early Saturday in the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in James City, about 12 hours after being arrested on a charge of assaulting his wife at their York County home. In the four weeks since his return, deputies responded to about six complaints against McKeehan by his wife and a neighbor. [ABC 7 News: Soldier Just Back From Iraq Hangs Himself In Jail]

September 13, 2004 - 2 murders
Two 23 year old infantry battalion sergeants were arrested for the shooting, premeditated murder, deaths of two fellow soldiers over fears they would be turned in to civilian or military investigators for a Kansas farm drug operation. All soldiers were attached to the 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, 2/3 of which had recently returned to Fort Riley from their second tour of duty in Iraq (where 4 others had been court-martialed for the deaths of Iraqi civilians). [Kansas State Collegian: Soldier Arrested in Murder Case]

August 18, 2004 - 1 suicide
A 48 year old New Hampshire National Guardsman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound a mere day after returning home from Iraq. [Veterans for Common Sense: Death Rocks Counselors Who Work With Soldiers Returning from War]

June 22, 2004 - 1 suicide
A 23 year old Marine Reserve who fought in the battle of Nasiriyah hung himself a year after returning home from military duty. In late May 2004, his parents had involuntarily committed him to a military veteran's hospital after he ignored pleas to seek help. The hospital discharged him after a few days. Three weeks later, he was dead -- the dog tags of two Iraqi prisoners he said he was forced to shoot unarmed, lay on his bed. [Democracy Now!: Parents Mourn Son's Suicide After Returning From Iraq Duty: "He's a Casualty of War But He'll Never Be Known As That"]

June 2, 2004 - 1 murder
An army reservist based out of Portland, OR, after having just returned from Iraq a few months prior, was arrested for first degree murder and held on $250,000 bond. His wife's body was found in a van near their apartment - a fatal bullet shot through her throat. The couple's daughter was in the custody of Child Protective Services. [USA Today: Soldier Arrested After Police Find Wife's Body in Van]

May 27, 2004 - 1 suicide
A 33 year old staff sergeant (based out of Fort Jackson, SC), state trooper, and Gulf War I vet returned from a year's deployment in Iraq afraid of seeking psychological help because of what it might mean for his career. His wife, nonetheless persuaded him to call an Army program that helps soldiers find treatment; but, he lied on the phone, answering 'no' when asked if he thought of harming himself. Just a few hours later, with his stepdaughter playing outside, the National Guardsman shot himself in the heart only 5 weeks after returning home as his wife rushed to try to knock the gun out of his hand. [North County Times: Stretched Thin -- Concern Mounts Over Soldiers' Mental Health Care]

April 21, 2004 - 1 murder
A 31 year old Army sergeant based at Fort Lewis, WA, who'd returned just weeks earlier from Iraq, drowned his wife in the bathtub of an apartment they'd begun sharing. On April 10th, the woman had gone to authorities and told them her husband had pushed her and threatened to kill her; two days later she'd obtained a temporary restraining order. Apparently, they'd been fighting due to an affair he'd had with a fellow soldier in Iraq. The couple had a 10 year old son. [KOMO News: Fort Lewis Soldier Arrested for Allegedly Killing His Wife]

April 13, 2004 - 1 charge armed robbery
A 38 year old Fort Campbell, KY soldier who told police officers he "just couldn't take it anymore" and wanted to be locked up walked into a southeast Iowa bank, fired a large caliber handgun into the air, and demanded cash. He had only recently returned from Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division (the division had lost 58 Fort Campbell soldiers in Iraq in 2003). After he left the bank, he climbed into his pickup truck and drove to the police department, where he turned himself in. [WKRN: Ft. Campbell Soldier Robs Iowa Bank]

March 18, 2004 - 1 murder
A 39 year old former wounded Iraqi supply sergeant in the Army reserve shot his wife and buried her body in a footlocker after she'd told him she was leaving him for another man. The couple had a 7 year old daughter. [Seattle Weekly: Home Front Casualties]

December 6, 2003 - 1 suicide
A 25 year old Army combat veteran who'd been seeing a psychiatrist was found hanging in his barracks. His wife said that he'd returned a changed man -- there were two times where she felt in danger in her own home. Twice the police had to be called to the couple's home; once, he was taken away in handcuffs. [St Louis Today: For Some Returning Vets, War May Not Be Over yet]

July 17, 2003 - 1 murder
A 22 year old Fort Lewis, WA soldier enlisted the help of a fellow soldier (though not Gulf War combat veterans) to strangle to death his wife to collect a life insurance payoff and run away with his girlfriend. The couple had a five-week old son. [Seattle Weekly: Home Front Casualties]

July 19, 2002 - 1 murder, 1 suicide
A 30 year old former Afghanistan US Army Special Operations Commend veteran shot and killed his wife, and then himself. [CNN: Fort Bragg Killings Raise Alarm about Stress]

June 29, 2002 - 1 murder
The wife of a 36 year old Fort Bragg, NC master sergeant was strangled to death one month after her husband returned from combat duty in Afghanistan. [CNN: Fort Bragg Killings Raise Alarm about Stress]

June 11, 2002 - 1 murder, 1 suicide
A 32 year old Special Forces sergeant stationed out of Fort Bragg, NC and just returned from duty in Afghanistan in mid-March, fatally shot his wife, and then killed himself. [CNN: Fort Bragg Killings Raise Alarm about Stress]
Its Only Just Begun

I am probably seen as a meddling outsider. Sue me.

[richlevy]

Originally Posted by Urbane Guerrilla

Mari, thanks for the address. I'll send them something.

Rich, mister big mouth, how 'bout you put up that thousand, then? Money where mouth is, and all.

How about it? Is it worth your unloading a thousand bucks to put me in the shade? It'd at least be doing something constructive, and possibly tax deductible? Cool either way.

You first. My check (unfortunately not $1000) will be out on Monday. Your $1000 check still has time to beat it.