I understand that everyone?s busy and stressed, here and back in the US. I also realize that shipping a large box of clothes/shoes/etc. can get quite expensive, especially if funds are limited.
I am making a direct plea to all members of Democrats Abroad, other American expatriate and Veteran?s organizations, and to those stateside who receive this email:
Per my direct conversations with the Chaplain, the Chaplain?s Closet is in dire need of phone cards. The need is URGENT. The first thing everyone wants to do when they get to the Hospital is to call their wives, mothers and children and let them know they?re ok. There is no open, cost free telephone line at the hospital and our wounded need phone cards to be able to make these important calls.
The phone cards should be American. They can be purchased in 120-minute formats from drug stores and supermarkets anywhere in the US. They may be purchased at PX?s worldwide.
The phone cards can be collected and sent in large envelopes to Landstuhl Hospital which has a US Address, reducing the postage costs. I ask that people send them directly to the Hospital instead of coordinating with me because the need is more urgent than my monthly trips can meet. Feel free to include personalized letters/cards.
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center,
ATTN: MCEUL-CH/Chaplains Office
CMR 402, APO AE 09180
I graciously request that you forward this email onto all of your friends and family stateside. This is something everyone can do to help. It?s not that expensive and people can reach out to their churches, social organizations and friends and flood the Chaplain?s Office. Supporting the troops is more than yellow ribbons.
No soldier missing body parts and laying in unspeakable pain with 3rd-degree burns should have to worry about how many minutes are left on his phone card! This is basic human compassion and dignity."
Although that way counts on the Red Cross to get them to where they are needed.
Where is the list of what the Landstuhl Hospital needs on a constant basis?
Needed Items:
1) Phone cards- 100 to 120 min variety seem to be best
2) New pillows (to prop up limbs w/casts & fixators)
3) New DVDs (no extreme violence)
4) New CDs (no violent lyrics or profanity)
5) New portable CD players w/headphones
6) New washcloths, hand towels, & bath towels (dark colors are best)
7) Lip balm (Mentholatum, chapstick, etc.)
8) Mouthwash (travel size)
9) Hand-held electronic games-portable
10) Shampoo, conditioner & hair gel (travel size)
11.) Plastic toothbrush and bar soap travel holders
12.) Mint & cinnamon chewing gum
13.) Duffle bags (new)
14.) Men?s & Women?s boxer shorts/underwear (new)
15.) Sweatshirts/ pants (new)
16.) Men?s & women?s athletic shoes (new)
17.) Flip-flops (new)
18.) T-shirts (new)
19.) Baseball caps
20.) Other gifts/candies/ etc.
It is sad to think that a military burning through 12 billion dollars a month in Iraq can't provide this sort of think to soldiers who have sacrificed so much. The indifference of this administration to the suffering it causes could not be more graphically demonstrated.