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:

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YoungHeroes.US
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Colorado Springs, CO 80906