I thought many of you at home would like to know a little about what the Soldiers are going through. This is what I’ve learned from Jim as well as his commanding officers. We get a monthly update on the conditions the men are going through and how conditions are improving.
When the boys receive orders to deploy, they also receive a packing list. 95% of the packing list is clothing, equipment gear, and boots. The other 5% is the hygiene kit. This kit is made up of all travel-size bottles of toothpaste, toothbrush, bar soap, two towels, and razors. Not much. Even though they do have a “mini-mart” they are only allowed to draw funds once a month from their ATM debit cards. They have limited access to refill these items. Their entertainment is limited to bad movies and a CONNEX( large shipment container) full of footballs, soccer balls, and baseball gear to provide extracurricular activities during the down time that they do have. There resources are minimal for everything.
Things they would like to receive (travel-size):
Toothpaste beef jerkey
Toothbrushes licorice
Unscented shampoo hard candy
Unscented soap or body wash gum
Unscented lotion mixed nuts
Unscented baby wipes/baby powder granola bars
Unscented baby oil dried fruit
Unscented sunscreen drink mixes
Unscented shave gel/cream canned food
Unscented hand sanitizer powered milk
Eye drops
Towels/washcloths
Sheets
Pillows
Movies
Deck of cards
I know all of these would be greatly appreciated and every little bit helps. I listed all of these for ideas of stuff I’ve been sending and it can get expensive so please do not feel obligated to buy all of these items; again, these were just ideas. Please keep in mind…no pork products because it is of disrespect to the Afghanistan culture. I know they would enjoy snacks to pack for their patrols and for when they are “out of the wire”. As they have already had casualties, morale is sinking quickly. Any boost would be appreciated and welcomed.
Some locations in Afghanistan the Soldiers are living in the CONNEX’s that contained their equipment during shipment. Little air conditioning and heating is provided while communication is also still lacking greatly. These Soldiers are trained to adapt and conform to their surroundings however, they are fighting for our safety and some are dying for our safety. They greatly appreciate any care packages and are thankful for the thoughts and prayers during Operation Enduring Freedom. Your appreciation may never be vocalized but it will always be felt in their hearts. May we extend the helping hand of God to all who need Him. As there is only one Chaplain per battalion and our men are separated by miles, it is very difficult to have him everywhere so many go weeks without the encouragement of Jesus Christ.
This is a brief of the letter us spouses receive as an update of our Soldiers from the Lieutenant Colonel of our Battalion.
We have found each of the forward locations presents its own unique problem sets that we continue to strive to improve. Up in Dragon Company’s area of operations, we have struggled with communications and weather. It has improved since our arrival and the company continues to do great things for the populace and all the surrounding areas. In Bulldog Company’s area of operations, communications back to Ft. Campbell has been the biggest issue. We are daily working through getting them the right equipment to facilitate communications with family. In the short term, we are pushing Iridium phones to provide a short term solution to enabling point to point communications with family. In Abu Company’s area, the unit is pretty well established throughout the area of operations. The one area we are working to improve is where 1st platoon (Jim’s platoon) is located. Living conditions are a little behind but the Soldiers have greatly improved the area since our arrival. HHC elements, Battalion Headquarters and the majority of the Forward Support Company, is established and working very well. Crusher Company is still working under the 3-320 for conduct of operations and are representing the Leader Battalion (Jim’s battalion) in a great manner.
Two of our Soldiers from Crusher Company forces with 3-320th Field Artillery Battalion have made the ultimate sacrifice. This was a shock to all of us – both here and back at Fort Campbell. These great Soldiers from the Leader Battalion will always be a part of our family and always in our thoughts and prayers. I am very proud of the way the Rear Detachment, the FRG and the families of our battalion quickly assisted and supported the families of our fallen Soldiers. I urge all of you to continue to support the families and ensure they understand they are and always will be a part of this great Leader Battalion Family. Afghanistan is real and is a tough environment in all areas – weather, understanding and working with the populace, and a real enemy. I will say our Soldiers were properly prepared and doing amazing things to balance the protection of the populace, enabling the Afghanistan National Security Forces, and combating the enemy. I am extremely proud of how the Soldiers are representing this battalion and we work to improve the situation over here. I know this is not easy and it is tough business. I want to thank all of you for the support you give our Soldiers but also the care and support you give each other back at Ft. Campbell and to the extended families outside the area. As I have said before - your sacrifice is unparalleled and no one outside of our community understands truly what we go through except us. We are in this together and together as one element, we will persevere. All of you (Soldiers, Spouses and families) are in this battalion at this moment in time for a reason – you and your Soldiers represent the best this Nation has to offer.
I hope this gives everyone a sense of what our Soldiers endure on a daily basis. It is our privilege to live in the United States because of these boys. We need to remember that these boys do not do their job for recognition but do it so selflessly. As a nation, many people are so self-involved and take many things for granted, but these boys don’t have time to be that way. They are fighting for us and so that we may live comfortably in our own homes with our families close around. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support and prayers during this time. If you feel like God is touching you and you want to contribute, you can take any hygiene items to the Cimarron Church of the Nazarene. I hope our hometown church and hometown people will jump at the chance to minister to some men who do not even know Christ.
God, if you are listening, I hope you show up and show off.
LOVELOVE
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