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.
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