1/6/2010 12:38:00 PM
Legion's 'Something from Home'
program brightens soldiers' lives
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| American Legion Post 122 Cmdr. Ron Johnson shows the contents of one of the
more than 1,500 boxes the post has mailed to troops overseas. The Legion is asking for the public's help to send more boxes to troops in Afghanistan.
BBNPhoto/Pat Williamson |
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By Pat Williamson
Big Bug News
In June 2006, American Legion Post 122 of Cordes Lakes found that quite a few Arizona National Guard units were stationed in Iraq. Through contact with servicemen, they discovered that many personal hygiene items, favorite snacks, games and movies were not readily available in Iraq.
This was the start of the "Something From Home" program.
The post members found they could not ship packages without a specific recipient. Their first order of business was to find someone in Iraq who would be willing to be the recipient and distribute the boxes and contents. The Legion shipped the first several boxes to the FOB (Forward Observation Base), which is at the front lines where no stores exist.
The person distributing the items to soldiers started asking them what other items they needed or wanted. The soldiers asked for soap, which they often would have to travel miles to obtain, solid deodorants, model paints, almonds, chewing gum, toothbrushes and many items that the average person takes for granted.
In order to meet these requests, the Legion contacted outside sources for help. One source provided 450 games and movies, another store sent outdated magazines that didn't sell, and another gave paperback books. Some of these donations were one-time only and others were on a monthly basis.
The seasons dictated some restrictions on what could be sent. Frozen pops were great for summer as they could be frozen, then the links placed around the neck to keep cool. When they melted, the troops would drink the liquid. Chocolate wasn't suitable for summer. Because Iraq is a Muslim country, the Legion could not send Christmas decorations, so they sent items for Halloween, Fourth of July and other holidays instead.
One fun item the Legion sent was labeled a "Personal Foxhole Refrigeration Unit complete with MRE" (meals ready to eat).
The contact person was excited to see this innovation. Then it finally arrived - a battery-operated hand fan with candy in the handle!
Another item the soldiers asked for was a product called Slime, a sealant to extend the life of bicycle tires. The roads in Iraq are very rough and hard on bicycle tires. In order to keep local children going to school, the troops help repair their bicycles.
The Military Welfare & Recreation (MWR), which is similar to the USO, has computers and game modules available, but snacks and games were needed, so the Legion sent boxes there.
The organization also sent boxes to remote locations with items for soldiers awaiting flights out.
As packages kept coming, with as many requests as possible filled, many of these recipients were shipped home, to other units, and also back to Iraq. They contacted Post 122 Commander Ron Johnson and before long the Legion was shipping boxes to South Korea, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Kuwait, U.S. Naval ships in the gulf and many other places, as well as to specific recipients.
People hearing of the program donated specifically for their children, grandchildren or friends. The contact persons would change over time and a new person would take the responsibility for receiving and distribution.
So far, the Legion has sent out 1,518 packages. In the beginning 15 - 20 boxes per month were going out. This has dwindled to about five per month now, as donations are down considerably because of the economy.
Mailing costs have also risen. The value of each box ranges between $25 and $50 with a current shipping cost of $12.
While the Post Office provides boxes, address and return labels, and clear sealing tape, contents and shipping costs are still there. Several Arizona National Guard units have recently been sent to Afghanistan. Post 122 could use help to support these troops. Contact Ron Johnson at 928-632-7819 if you are able to supply items for the boxes, know a supplier that would be willing to help, or if you want to donate cash to help with the postage.
Something From Home continues to support our troops.
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