Deployed Marines need care packages from back home

With the draw down of troops as the U.S. moves toward a 2014 withdrawal from Afghanistan, what few, simple pleasures of home they had are becoming scarce as support services leave. However, two Mountain Home women —one the wife of a Marine and the other engaged to a Marine —hope to help out at least one unit currently on its second deployment.

Stephanie Biggs and her sister, Danielle, are starting to put together care packages for members of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines assigned to Afghanistan. Danielle is engaged to one of the men in the unit from Camp LeJeune, N.C. Stephanie’s husband, Tony, is a Marine, but currently is not overseas. I got a chance to talk with both sisters about what they’re doing.

Stephanie said the Marines are working long days, many of them on patrol or out in the field. They recently completed 22 days in the field. She said the unit had lost one of its men two days ago to enemy action.

When the men return to their base of operations, they find fewer and fewer amenities because of the American withdrawal, according to Stephanie. Food services have been reduced, and there no longer are mobile PXes that supplied things such as candy, snacks and other luxuries, she said.

Stephanie said as a Marine spouse she wanted to do something to help those in Afghanistan. Danielle’s fiancé, Edward, is one of those deployed with the unit and, according to her, the men are in need of comforts from home.

“These guys are happy to have packages,” said Danielle.

So, Stephanie and Danielle decided to start putting together care packages to send to the men in the unit. While they’re gathering items, Stephanie said she realized the people of Mountain Home might want to help. She said having grown up here she’s seen how the community always is generous and steps up to help those in need.

It just happens those in need at the moment are American Marines in Afghanistan.

Both women said there are many things the men could use. Danielle said they’re going days without showers and they appreciate items such as baby wipes or other moistened wipes to help clean themselves.

Socks also are needed, said Stephanie. According to her, with the long patrols and days in the field, the men’s socks quickly wear out. White, boot-length socks would be greatly appreciated, she said.

Because of the reduction in meal services, food items are something the sisters hope to send. Danielle said non-perishable items such as packaged meats, packaged fruits, peanut butter and protein bars are among the items they’re collecting. It probably wouldn’t hurt to throw in some snack items, too, although it’d be best to stay away from anything that might melt in transit. Energy supplements and drink mixes also would be welcome, according to Danielle.

In an email, Stephanie added with a “haha optional” that “dip” might be appreciated as well. And I don’t think she means french onion or guacamole dip,

While Stephanie and Danielle told me people are welcome to donate items for the care packages, Stephanie said it costs $14.95 to send the packages to Afghanistan, and if people wanted to help pay for the shipping that, too, would be appreciated. She said they’ve asked the Marines to send letters or pictures back home when they get the packages.

Stephanie said they’re still trying to set up a collection point, and would pass along that information when they get it. In the meantime, if anyone wants to help or has questions, they can contact her at (870) 656-5713. (UPDATE: Stephanie says donations can be dropped off at The Sweet Spot on U.S. Highway 62 East .)

It would be nice if our community could help these young ladies and show the troops in Afghanistan we still support them, and wish them all a safe return home.