I know many of you who occasionally stop by here to read have also been sending care packages to the guys of 1/9 or school supplies out for the Afghan children. And the response has been nothing short of amazing. As we approach our mail cutoff date on Tuesday (01 November), I ask that you consider continuing to send out school supplies. Just to a different address.
Out here in Afghanistan, the Marines have sent out small teams of females to base out of selected positions and go on patrols with the infantry Marines. These groups of women are called Female Engagement Teams or FET for short. We have two of these teams in our expansive area and there are many more throughout the larger area in which we work. These women have a natural ability for women and children to come up and talk with them. Women won't talk with the male Marines and the kids just naturally gravitate to the female Marines. One thing that allows is for them to carry school supplies and small stuffed animals with them on patrol and pass them out. We have given some supplies to the FET when we travel to help them in their mission.
The platoon commander for all of the larger area in which we work, contacted me the other day and asked if I could arrange for some school supplies, stuffed animals, etc to be sent to her as we are heading out soon. This is a great way to continue to help the Afghans as 1/9 begins to head back to the States and it will help the Marines that come after us and those with whom we have worked beside the last few months.
If you have any desire to continue to help the FET do their work, please send out some school supplies to the address below. I would ask that you only send pencils, colored pencils, crayons, erasers, rulers, notebooks, notebook paper, flash cards, coloring books, small stuffed animals, toys, etc. Please DO NOT send things such as markers, mechanical pencils, pens, glue sticks or bottles of glue. Those things have a chance of being turned into something harmful to the Marines out here. If you send something to Lt Hammond, include an email address or some way for her to contact you and she should be able to let you know what she is in more need of after sending a first package.
1st Lt Hammond
RCT-5 HQ Co, S-3 FET
Unit 40305
FPO AP 96427-0305
These women do great work out here and really help out the infantry Marines and it would be wonderful for all of you who have sent these supplies to 1/9 to continue to support another worthy group of Marines in the work they do.
Showing posts with label Care Packages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Care Packages. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Final Care Package Request List
First off thanks for all the support for the Marines and sailors of 1/9. We are quickly approaching the end of our time out here which means a mail cutoff date is looming. I am assuming that date will be on 01 November which means this is the last time I will post anything asking for care packages. We are sitting good on items right now but want to still get some in to set up the next unit once they arrive for about a month's worth of stuff so they are good until their mail begins to arrive. Again thanks for all you have done for 1/9 over the last 6 months. The stuff gets used quickly and is greatly appreciated.
Care Package Needs October 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Care Package Needs October 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Friday, September 16, 2011
Care Package Request List for September 2011
Being stuck at a remote post has a few benefits, one of which is updating the blog when I get a chance to hit an MWR computer center.
Care Package Needs September 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area. And what we don't use during our deployment will be used to set up the incoming unit with an initial supply of stuff until their mail begins to arrive in country.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Care Package Needs September 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: We received a huge amount of supplies and are doing a good job trying to get them out. We'll take any more that you send, but I think they will be good for a few months.
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area. And what we don't use during our deployment will be used to set up the incoming unit with an initial supply of stuff until their mail begins to arrive in country.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Notes From Afghanistan Part 5
I know it has been a while since describing what is going on out here, but we have been busy and the powers that be blocked all the blogger sites on government computers so I had to find time to get to the MWR tent to post. I don't know what made them change their minds, but such is life out here.
Since the last update, RP and I have traveled extensively to the companies to see the guys. We have also hosted a few different chaplains in the area showing them around to show off the Marines and sailors and all the good work they are doing out here. One of the visitors was a Navy chaplain who happens to be Muslim. He was out here for Ramadan. While he was here we got to attend an Iftar meal where they break the fast in the evening. It was great watching a friend live out his faith in a country predominately of his faith. He led the Iftar meal and the prayers that evening. He also was provided the opportunity to talk with the local mullahs and elders about Islam and how he lives out his faith in a pluralistic environment. The local leaders were rapt with attention at what he said and seemed to appreciate him making the visit to Nawa. It was also great for me to catch up with an old friend and see Ramadan from his perspective. It should end in the next few days so I am excited about seeing the national party that will go for about a week out here.
With school coming up, we have been busy getting school supplies ready. RP and I just had a truckload of supplies picked up by the Afghan Army to give out during Eid. They were overwhelmed and surprised with the support from people back in the States to give so generously to the children out here. And, after we gave them all those supplies we got about 15 more boxes worth yesterday. I spent this morning getting those ready for distribution. We'll pass those out next month as we get out in the villages. We also received some soccer balls and stuffed animals for the kids as well.
Well, that is it for now. I have only a few minutes left here at the computer so I am looking forward to another busy month out here with more traveling and being out there with my guys. I can't believe it has already been 3 1/2 months since we left which means we are approaching our half way point. It seems like only yesterday that we got out here. I guess time really does fly when you are having fun. I am actually starting to realize how much I will miss being out here as well as my time deployed with an infantry battalion. I need to figure out how to swing another deployment before they transfer me in 2013.
Since the last update, RP and I have traveled extensively to the companies to see the guys. We have also hosted a few different chaplains in the area showing them around to show off the Marines and sailors and all the good work they are doing out here. One of the visitors was a Navy chaplain who happens to be Muslim. He was out here for Ramadan. While he was here we got to attend an Iftar meal where they break the fast in the evening. It was great watching a friend live out his faith in a country predominately of his faith. He led the Iftar meal and the prayers that evening. He also was provided the opportunity to talk with the local mullahs and elders about Islam and how he lives out his faith in a pluralistic environment. The local leaders were rapt with attention at what he said and seemed to appreciate him making the visit to Nawa. It was also great for me to catch up with an old friend and see Ramadan from his perspective. It should end in the next few days so I am excited about seeing the national party that will go for about a week out here.
With school coming up, we have been busy getting school supplies ready. RP and I just had a truckload of supplies picked up by the Afghan Army to give out during Eid. They were overwhelmed and surprised with the support from people back in the States to give so generously to the children out here. And, after we gave them all those supplies we got about 15 more boxes worth yesterday. I spent this morning getting those ready for distribution. We'll pass those out next month as we get out in the villages. We also received some soccer balls and stuffed animals for the kids as well.
Well, that is it for now. I have only a few minutes left here at the computer so I am looking forward to another busy month out here with more traveling and being out there with my guys. I can't believe it has already been 3 1/2 months since we left which means we are approaching our half way point. It seems like only yesterday that we got out here. I guess time really does fly when you are having fun. I am actually starting to realize how much I will miss being out here as well as my time deployed with an infantry battalion. I need to figure out how to swing another deployment before they transfer me in 2013.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Care Package Requests for August
Sorry it is almost mid-month again before getting this out. We were busy getting out and about with the Marines, which I love doing as it gets me off the FOB. I have updated this based on what the guys are asking for and what we are running low on.
Care Package Needs July 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Shoes, Sandals, etc
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Clothing (Winter type to hand out after Ramadan)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Horseshoes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
If anyone can spare the cost of shipping, the guys are really asking about horseshoes. I don't have that many sets and all they really need are the horseshoes, we have plenty of stakes and other items to create the pits for them to play with.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Care Package Needs July 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Shoes, Sandals, etc
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Clothing (Winter type to hand out after Ramadan)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black, White)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Bars of Soap
Single toothbrushes
Horseshoes
Shampoo
Deodorant (Now that it won't completely melt during shipment)
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
If anyone can spare the cost of shipping, the guys are really asking about horseshoes. I don't have that many sets and all they really need are the horseshoes, we have plenty of stakes and other items to create the pits for them to play with.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Thank You
Two thank yous need to be said:
First, I haven't said this in a large public manner yet. Many of you who send us care packages get emails expressing our gratitude as I get the information and time to sit down and write. We get anywhere from 15-50 packages a week and it keeps RP quite busy sorting through the packages so we can get the stuff out to the companies as well as keeping track of who is sending us stuff so we know who to write emails to. I mostly write emails back as it takes about 6 weeks for mail to make it back to the states. Some of you I don't have addresses for, so I wanted to take a moment and thank you for everything you provide the Marines and sailors of 1/9. They are never short of toiletries (though not always getting the brands they prefer) or snack food. While we rarely are there when the care package items arrive at the locations, we do know the stuff goes quickly as the large boxes we send (hold about 40-50 large flat rate boxes) are empty by the time we get to the company positions. Please keep the love coming and know that the guys and gals (we have some females attached to us at times) appreciate all you send.
The second thank you is another one to the USO. They do a great job bringing out people to entertain the Marines and sailors. While not every position can benefit from the visits, the fact they are aggressive in getting people out here speaks volumes to their dedication to those deployed out here. This is my fourth deployment (first in a combat zone) and I had not experienced the USO until this one. The first show wasn't really up my alley, but the second trip wasn't even a show. It was John Stewart, David Blaine and Karl Malone showing up to talk with the guys and sign autographs, etc. I was amazed at how attentive each of these individuals were in just sitting down and talking with the guys. Those conversations with people who just two days prior had been in the States made a huge positive impact on the morale of those they met. David Blaine even freaked everyone out with some card tricks and had John Stewart jumping up out of his chair a few times. I am forever grateful for those who support the USO and those celebrities that take of their time to fly out here and just talk with those who are deployed. A special thanks to John Stewart who flew out on a Thursday night/Friday morning, flew back to the States on Sunday and was back at work on Monday. And he gave FOB Geronimo a shout out on the show.
(This is a good example of what we receive in care packages each and every week. Sometimes twice a week.)
First, I haven't said this in a large public manner yet. Many of you who send us care packages get emails expressing our gratitude as I get the information and time to sit down and write. We get anywhere from 15-50 packages a week and it keeps RP quite busy sorting through the packages so we can get the stuff out to the companies as well as keeping track of who is sending us stuff so we know who to write emails to. I mostly write emails back as it takes about 6 weeks for mail to make it back to the states. Some of you I don't have addresses for, so I wanted to take a moment and thank you for everything you provide the Marines and sailors of 1/9. They are never short of toiletries (though not always getting the brands they prefer) or snack food. While we rarely are there when the care package items arrive at the locations, we do know the stuff goes quickly as the large boxes we send (hold about 40-50 large flat rate boxes) are empty by the time we get to the company positions. Please keep the love coming and know that the guys and gals (we have some females attached to us at times) appreciate all you send.
The second thank you is another one to the USO. They do a great job bringing out people to entertain the Marines and sailors. While not every position can benefit from the visits, the fact they are aggressive in getting people out here speaks volumes to their dedication to those deployed out here. This is my fourth deployment (first in a combat zone) and I had not experienced the USO until this one. The first show wasn't really up my alley, but the second trip wasn't even a show. It was John Stewart, David Blaine and Karl Malone showing up to talk with the guys and sign autographs, etc. I was amazed at how attentive each of these individuals were in just sitting down and talking with the guys. Those conversations with people who just two days prior had been in the States made a huge positive impact on the morale of those they met. David Blaine even freaked everyone out with some card tricks and had John Stewart jumping up out of his chair a few times. I am forever grateful for those who support the USO and those celebrities that take of their time to fly out here and just talk with those who are deployed. A special thanks to John Stewart who flew out on a Thursday night/Friday morning, flew back to the States on Sunday and was back at work on Monday. And he gave FOB Geronimo a shout out on the show.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Care Package Request List for July 2011
Sorry it is almost mid-month before getting this out. We were busy sorting the love you have sent us already as well as getting out and about with the Marines and getting the Peachtree Road Race set up, etc. I have updated this based on what the guys are asking for and what we are running low on.
Care Package Needs July 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Text Books (English and Math)
Any kind of study aids
Shoes
Socks
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Horseshoes
Shampoo
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
If anyone can spare the cost of shipping, the guys are really asking about horseshoes. I don't have that many sets and all they really need are the horseshoes, we have plenty of stakes and other items to create the pits for them to play with.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Care Package Needs July 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Text Books (English and Math)
Any kind of study aids
Shoes
Socks
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Horseshoes
Shampoo
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Crystal Light, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
If anyone can spare the cost of shipping, the guys are really asking about horseshoes. I don't have that many sets and all they really need are the horseshoes, we have plenty of stakes and other items to create the pits for them to play with.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send and I am truly grateful for everyone who has already sent packages. RP and I try to reply to each group of packages you send, but if we forget to send an email once we get the packages I do apologize as we get pulled in many different directions. The packages are used and appreciated by the Marines and sailors we have in our area.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Care Package Requests for June 2011
I now have a better idea of what we have from the previous unit and what we need for not only the Marines but also for the Afghan people we are here to serve. Any of the regular readers who want to drop some stuff in the mail or pass this list and address along would be greatly appreciated.
Care Package Needs June 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Text Books (English and Math)
Any kind of study aids
Shoes
Socks
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Shampoo
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
If someone wants to send something bigger (like a small fridge :))contact me at bubbleheadchaps@gmail.com and I’ll give you a list of things that would make help my ministry in a big way.
Care Package Needs June 2011
The ones in bold are especially needed right now
Afghan Children: School starts here in September, so we're trying to get the supplies early
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Text Books (English and Math)
Any kind of study aids
Shoes
Socks
Crayons
Colored Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Pencils(Solid Wood kind)
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors (We are especially low on these)
Shampoo
Body Wash
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
If someone wants to send something bigger (like a small fridge :))contact me at bubbleheadchaps@gmail.com and I’ll give you a list of things that would make help my ministry in a big way.
Notes from Afghanistan
We are safely in our new home for the next seven months. We got here a few weeks ago and are in the final stages of taking over from another unit that has started their journey home. They did some great things out here making this place better for the locals and we are looking to make it that much safer before we finally leave.
Based on my first impressions of the place, I wasn't too sure there was anything but open space and dirt (what they affectionately call moon dust out here because it is like baby powder). However, I got to get out with a convoy the other day and was surprised at how green this place can get near the major river that runs through our area. It was also nice to get near the district center and see what the hub of activity looks like in Afghanistan. One good thing about my job is I get to travel around frequently to see my Marines. This also allows me to see the area and meet some of the locals, both of which I am looking forward to doing.
My RP and I have assumed the duties of ministry in this area so tomorrow is the first day of preaching on the FOB and we are getting settled in. We are also expecting mail tomorrow and with that the first batch of care packages specifically for 1/9. We have been sorting the ones from the previous unit this last week and getting those out to the companies to make room for all the love people are sending specifically to 1/9. The next post after this one will be an updated request list. The American people are extremely generous to those deployed out here and we are very appreciative, even if most of the service members fail to tell people that back home. The care package items are quite the draw that gets people to stop by the chapel and we have plenty to give them thanks to all of you who send stuff our way.
It looks like there will be few if any photos to post on the blog over the next few months. The computer rules around here are pretty strict due to recent security leaks, etc. I am still trying to find a way to get them posted here and will do so as soon as I can figure a reliable method that stays within the rules.
Based on my first impressions of the place, I wasn't too sure there was anything but open space and dirt (what they affectionately call moon dust out here because it is like baby powder). However, I got to get out with a convoy the other day and was surprised at how green this place can get near the major river that runs through our area. It was also nice to get near the district center and see what the hub of activity looks like in Afghanistan. One good thing about my job is I get to travel around frequently to see my Marines. This also allows me to see the area and meet some of the locals, both of which I am looking forward to doing.
My RP and I have assumed the duties of ministry in this area so tomorrow is the first day of preaching on the FOB and we are getting settled in. We are also expecting mail tomorrow and with that the first batch of care packages specifically for 1/9. We have been sorting the ones from the previous unit this last week and getting those out to the companies to make room for all the love people are sending specifically to 1/9. The next post after this one will be an updated request list. The American people are extremely generous to those deployed out here and we are very appreciative, even if most of the service members fail to tell people that back home. The care package items are quite the draw that gets people to stop by the chapel and we have plenty to give them thanks to all of you who send stuff our way.
It looks like there will be few if any photos to post on the blog over the next few months. The computer rules around here are pretty strict due to recent security leaks, etc. I am still trying to find a way to get them posted here and will do so as soon as I can figure a reliable method that stays within the rules.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Care Package Needs May 2011
So the time is drawing near that we will be heading out to Afghanistan. One thing I am using this space for is to relay care package needs from both the 1/9 Marines and the Afghan children that life in our area of operations to those out there who may be interested in sending some stuff our way while we are living in the desert. I have been told it will take about 3-6 weeks for things to get out to us so I wanted to start this list as soon as the mail address went active. Anything sent without a specific purpose will be distributed evenly among the companies and my RP and I will deliver the items as we get around the battle space visiting the Marines and Sailors. If you want the items to go to a specific person or group of people, please drop a note in the box indicating that. Also, if you know of any school teachers that want to send notes please do that as well. I intend to decorate our chapel with letters and cards from the kids.
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.
Care Package Needs May 2011
Afghan Children:
Coloring Books—Culturally appropriate-Animals, etc
Crayons
Colored Pencils
Pencils
Pens
Notebooks and Paper
Backpacks
Soccer Balls (Deflated)
Kick balls (Deflated)
Marines:
Socks (Brown, Green, Black)
Foot Powder
Razors
Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Starburst, Werther’s, Twizzlers, BlowPops) This gets to the kids as well
Beef Jerky
Drink Mix (Single packets of Propel, Propel Zero, Gatorade, Kool Aid, Coffee, Tea, etc)
Bulk Drink Mix
Baby Wipes
Gum
Chex Mix, Trail Mix
Granola Bars
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Chapstick
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Sunscreen
Hand Lotion
Chapstick
Food spices, flavorings and condiments
Tuna Packages
Chapel and Chaplain:
Letters from children to decorate the chapel and dining halls
Pancake Mix (Just add water kind only)—Will try to do pancake dinners in the field
Syrup
Chex Mix-Turtle and Honey Nut Flavors
Anything you want to send from the above lists. If I don’t use it, it will get put in the general pot
I thank you ahead of time for anything you send.
Mail Any packages to:
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
Chaplain Russ Ferguson
1/9 H Co S-1
Unit 74095
FPO AE 09510-4095
If someone wants to send something bigger contact me at bubbleheadchaps@gmail.com and I’ll give you a list of things that would make help my ministry in a big way.
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