This is for Mari333 and Michael. How many here can spare a dime?

[anarchy1999]

We all know Mari and most of us know what all her family is going through. Could we please try to start a campaign to help her help Michael and his unit stationed at Abu Ghurayb, much like what SoCalDem did for some other soldiers? We have all done lots many times before, can we do it again? I say, yes we can.

Thanks in advance for any response. I talked with Mari tonight and they are doing okay. Help is needed, not asked for, but would be greatly appreciated. We can make a difference and we are. There are a few already sending packages, I think we should step it up a notch. Our kids are HUNGRY over there. Why? They need gear to do their jobs, WHY?

PM me and let us make it happen. Okay?

[NMDemDist2]

1. Our kids are hungry? Did KBR forget to pay the caterers again

I want to know more about our guys being hungry. What do you mean?

[anarchy1999]

8. I do not have links handy, but these are messages coming home,

Send Food and Snacks. We are hungry. Mom, help. I am sure there are many DU'ers here that can back me up with links. Sorry AZ, they've been hungry and doing without since the very beginning of this disaster.

[MissMarple]

2. Call Duncan Hunter. He's chair of the House Armed Services Comm.

He was on Lou Dobbs last night and said to call if anyone knew of any soldier in Iraq without a kevlar vest. I think that this is pretty close to that. He and Jan Schakowsky(sp?) were on regarding the lack of armed vehicles, vests and etc. He said there should be two vests per person in Iraq.

[Elwood P Dowd]

6. I'm surprised the repukes haven't forced Duncan out.

He's been against many of their trade policies, especially when it comes to military equipment. As a Vietnam War Vet, he also shows too much concern for the welfare of the troops. The Chickenhawks running this war don't give a shit about the troops.

[MissMarple]

20. You should have seen him on C-Span. He was...ahhh.. focused.

On point. The Pentagon guys were not happy and relaxed folks. He brought pictures of trucks, gun trucks, protected with PLYWOOD!

I'm having a moment of silence, here. I can't stand this.

[leesa]

23. He's my congressperson, unfortunately, a true fascist piece

of garbage. If he's saying these things you can bet it's with a wink, wink going on off camera. He's a moneygrubbing whore to the max.

[MissMarple]

32. Sounds like he needs a little heads up. The Dems need to out him.

We can help, they must follow through. Oh..., politics is such a nasty business.

And he seemed like such a responsible, soldier, caring kind of guy. Our kids are dieing there for lack of proper equipment and enforcements. This is not just intolerable, it is unforgivable. Congress has a responsibility to provide for them. They are reneging.

[Elwood P Dowd]

55. That makes him one of the better republicans

Just think, you could have Bill Thomas, David Dreier, Tom Delay, or Billy Tauzin.

[PaDUer]

29. Miss Marple...check this out?

Miss Marple's posts on freepsville-- http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/site/user-posts?id=13962

[Only Me]

30. WoW, Just One of Miss Marples Posts?!

The Torricelli Option: Will Dems dump Kerry? Hugh Hewitt believes candidate could face coup

Posted by Miss Marple to Liz
On News/Activism 04/28/2004 4:38:09 AM PDT #55 of 131

You know, Karl Rove had a BIG folder on Kerry. I will bet he has folders on every other possible candidate as well.
I somehow think he isn't dumb enough to put all his eggs in one basket. And if we are thinking Torricelli options and October surprise, I am darn sure Rove and the President are doing so as well. They have been watching the same behavior we have over the last 3 and 1/2 years. The democrats may think they are being clever, but I have noticed their cleverness doesn't seem to work quite the way they think it will.

[PaDUer]

31. We've also have a Miss Marple

on DU?? Check my post I replied to. Interesting.

[MissMarple]

33. Back off, babies. I'm MissMarple.

If you google Miss Marple, you get a lot of strange folks. I only have posted here. And I'm a small d democrat. Don't vex me. :D

[PaDUer]

34. How many in political groups?

Saw a lot of articles about Miss Marple, but one thus far, at the other site...I wouldn't want the same ID as a freeper.

[MissMarple]

36. So... I'm supposed to change my name because you don't like it.

Do you know any thing at all about the fictional character, Miss Jane Marple? Check my posts. I'm not exactly new here. I'm a small "d" dem and an iconoclast and alas, something of an idealist conflicted with a severe case of pragmatism. So, do you have a problem, or are you just being a bit testy?

[Only Me]

38. Miss Marple, I am Sorry!

ME: :dunce: YOU: O8)

[MissMarple]

44. I think it must go with the name.

It's OK, and I was just a bit defensive. I really like Joan Hickson's depiction of Jane Marple. But Miss Marple seems to be quite popular in a variety of venues. :D

And a little kick for the thread.

[edison1958]

3. What can you tell those of us....

...who don't know this particular situation?

[anarchy1999]

51. Edison1958

Sorry for lateness of response.

Mari333 and her husband Hogarth have been DU'ers for a couple of years now. Last year we all rallied and helped her to keep her son from having to go to Iraq, (if I remember correctly he was in the reserves or the guard, his time served was almost over, but they were getting ready to send him over.)

Then late last summer her step-son Michael's number came up. We tried again, he even has a major medical disability, but we couldn't stop it this time. Michael is now in Iraq and is holding guard at the prison (probably one of the top 5 most dangerous places to be at this time).

So there is a quick, short synopsis. Mari333 and Hogarth are DU'ers and they need our help helping keep Michael's spirits and those that are serving with him up. They need to know we care and that we want them home. In addition, we need to help because of the level of corruption of this administration. Many of our soldiers are suffering in many ways, just as much as the people of Iraq are.

[MichaelHarris]

4. Message me and

let me know what is needed. My wife and I will do anything we can.

[anarchy1999]

9. Thank you.

All it takes is all of us caring.

[DUreader]

5. I have an idea to help

I will see what I can figure out

[anarchy1999]

10. Please, what is your idea?

Please PM me.

[SoCalDem]

59. oops.. I duped

:(

[NuttyFluffers]

7. i have little money, but...

i do have contacts here. i'll see who here wants to help me. i want to send eye protectors and hopefully either Snickers bars or some other touches from home (jolly ranchers?).

PM me and let me know which items are a priority. be kind, most of us are starving students - buckets of gargoyles protective glasses are beyond our means ;-)

:grouphug: a little touch of home so that they know we are there for them.

[anarchy1999]

11. Protective eyeware did come up, Snickers bars always appreciated.

Starving students unite. Most of all they need to know how much we care and are trying to get them home. Little things mean alot. I will get back with you.

[MichaelHarris]

12. If they need stuff

tell me how and what and I'll go shopping tomorrow. I'll make the biggest grab bag of goodies ever sent to Iraq. I just don't know how to do it.

[RamboLiberal]

15. Don't forget it's going to be damn hot there

Chocolates may not make it without looking like a pile of goo.

[PaDUer]

13. Local soldier killed, & his last email

This has been on our local news since yesterday & in the papers...Also, was his last email about what to send for the troops, hopefully it will help with ideas of what to send.

Local soldier killed in Iraq
By Elizabeth Skrapits and Robert Kalinowski TIMES-SHAMROCK NEWS WRITERS 04/28/2004

PLYMOUTH -- A Luzerne County man serving in Iraq with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard made the ultimate sacrifice Monday.

Sgt. Sherwood Baker, 30, of West Shawnee Avenue, was killed in Baghdad by a large explosion while performing site security, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. He was a member of the First Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, Alpha Battery, but was serving with the 2nd Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment from Scranton. He represents the unit's first casualty.

-snip-

Family and close friends gathered at the Bakers' house in Plymouth Borough to mourn the loss of the young father. Sgt. Baker's mother-in-law, Ann Warman, said she doesn't think the realization has hit yet for Sgt. Baker's 9-year-old son, James. "To him, his daddy's still coming home," she said.

-snip-

"They came to Debbie's house at a quarter after five last night (Monday); two military men came," Ms. Warman said.
"And when she looked through the two glass doors, she saw them and she froze, and she didn't want to answer it. They said, 'Mrs. Sherwood Baker?' and she said, 'Yes.' They said, 'Can we come in to talk to you?' and she lost it." "They informed her that they were sorry for her loss, her husband was killed in an explosion in Iraq."

Full story--
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11398901&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6
---------------------------------------
Final e-mail: Send snacks, magazines for the troops
-snip-
"Recently, we have had an influx of items such as toothpaste, Q-tips, baby wipes and we could use some other items."

Sgt. Baker asked for people to send coffee, sugar, creamer, Chunky Soup, peanut butter, tuna fish (in water), Combos, Oreos (also double stuff), Pennsylvania food like Tastykakes, Snyders of Hanover and Middleswarth, Ramen noodles and laundry tabs.

He also asked for the magazines, Maxim, FHM, Stuff, Bikers World, Flex, Easyrider and Hot Bike; a "cheap" tool set with wrenches, a cheap drill set with bits, blank CDs, a pinochle deck (with rules), black balloons, which he said are "standard for M16, M4 and M249/Large for .50cal machine guns."

In his e-mail he said, "This stuff is to be shared with all of the men in our platoon and company who are here in Baghdad.

Full story--
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=11398905&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6

[anarchy1999]

14. Here is a list - talked to Mari again for the top 10.

Thanks to everyone responding.

Top 10 =

1) Beef Jerky
2) Hard Candies (nothing that will melt)
3) Peanuts, Popcorn, Chips etc
4) CD's and Books, Magazines
5) Fruit Cups, Fruit Roll Ups...
6) Baby Wipes
7) Benadryl
8) Gold Bond Powder or any anti-fungal powder
9) WHITE SOCKS (better than gold)!!
10) Is salami possible to send? They need protein.

Peanut Butter is a good idea. Crackers, these kids need us.

Once again, thank you for all the response, send me a PM and I will provide the APO address to send to along with a message from Mari333 and Hogarth.

This is for Mari333 and her family and once again, thanks to you all.

[RamboLiberal]

16. Salami - if it's beef it should be ok - no pork

Though I remember from when we were sending to soldiers from SoCalDem, the mom she knew was sneaking the Vienna Sausages in.

I got some empty coffee cans from a friend. I'll have to send Michael some of those PA tastycakes and little bags of Oreos, and other cookies and wrapped snack cakes.

[RetroLounge]

17. PM me. I got lots of magazines laying around

Hot Rod, Car Craft, Rod & Custom etc...

I'm sure enough of the guys over there like car magazines...

RL

[MichaelHarris]

19. canned meats would be ok?

not that I could even look at a vienna sausage but some people like um.

[thecrow]

26. Please send me the APO address.

I couldn't PM you because I am new and "don't have enough messages to send PMs" but I am very interested in this and would like to have the APO address so I can make a contribution. Can you PM me?
I'm so tired of people saying proudly "I support our troops!" But I ask how? And they just say it again... it's all words.

I am wholeheartedly against this war... the tactics of non-diplomacy, the horrible death tolls on both sides, the lies, the corporate greed...
But if I can make a contribution to our soldiers so that they can be fed or have a bit of home, I'm in!

:yourock:

[Tinoire]

41. What an unforgivable crime!

I can not believe that this is the state of affairs. That we have our very own, our very finest (& blah, blah, blah freeper talk about how much we love our troops & how proud we are of them) but they have no gear?!! They are yearning for small little things like Viennese sausages & baby wipes? White socks?! During war-time, this country can't get it's ass into gear and send these kids a few comforts from home?

Fucking $1000/day mercenaries but no money to send these kids a few small things? To outfit them with proper gear? There are units that are low on bullets for Christ sakes but we "love" our troops!

FREEPERS reading this- what the HELL do you know of love?

It's an unforgivable crime to not take care of the soldiers you send to slaughter. An unforgivable crime to bury your microcephalic heads in the sand buying and spreading the propaganda that's getting these kids killed. I curse every one of you freepers to the darkest bowels of hell.

White socks? White socks are now a luxury? For the "FINEST" military in the world? As your buddy, that illiterate frat boy squatting in the White House, walks around in $14,000 suits?

Madness. Total madness. And you Bush-lovers hate us? The reason you chickenhawk freepers hate us is because you can't stand that WE TOLD YOU SO and you absolutely can't stand that MANY OF US HERE ARE VETERANS CALLING YOUR CRIMINAL BULL-SHIT & EXPOSING THE LIES OF YOUR CHICKENHAWK-IN-CHIEF. What do any of you care about old veterans with no health-care? Homeless veterans on the streets? Active-duty soldiers with no body armor asking for socks for Christ's sake? What the hell do you care?

[anarchy1999]

42. Well Tinoire, That just about said it all.

Thanks. Another late sleepless night for us all.

Peace

[doni_georgia]

62. Summer sausage should be okay

Tuna in water - the kind in the ziplock pouch would probably be good too. I will go to the grocery store tomorrow. I pm'd you to get the address. What about sunscreen and bug repellent?

[laylah]

18. Kickin' for a VERY

worthy cause! :kick:

Jenn

[MissMarple]

21. Can we send this thread to congressional offices and news outlets?

I don't know how, but I can't stand this. This is crazy making.

[MuseRider]

22. Another kick

and for anyone around Eastern Kansas who might be interested, I have a box started that I have not sent yet. If you want to add to it PM me and we can work it out.

[bicentennial_baby]

24. Sent you a pm

I have a ton of stuff to send them.

[bicentennial_baby]

25. Kick

Get back on the front page you!

:kick:

[kimchi]

27. I'll send a box of stuff.

I've PMd you.

[MadashellLynn]

28. spare a dime

As I have been unemployed since Dec I don't have many dimes but a few thoughts as I have worked in grocery stores before. Print the lists off and go to the local grocers, walmarts and sams club, coscos and ask for donations of contents from lists and show them the address's of the soldiers even ask store if they want to mail it to soldiers. I think all will be surprised at how much will be donated in these horrific times. Make sure you ask for the managers as they are the ones to make the tax right off donations. ask Marie if she can get more addresses for different troops as I think if we all do this a lot of stuff will start flooding the troops. Marie33(as a mother with first hand knowledge) should email Lou dobbs and ask for a personal shout out about the troops needing food. I am using my sisters log in as I only have hot mail and yahoo emails and they wont let me log on with those! it is getting frustrating. so am not sure about this pm stuff but if you email me at [email protected] with the address I would be happy to get some care packages going from Ann Arbor.
p.s. I met and shook hands with Kerry today! what a thrill.

[Tinoire]

35. Jeezus. I can NOT believe this!

Will see what I can do...

[anarchy1999]

37. To everyone here I would like to say thank you and give a shout out to.

I am trying hard to keep up with all the responses.

Thank you for your generosity, thank you for your warm hearts. I think by showing our soldiers how much we really support them they will understand how much we want to help them and that we are not against them. (Sometimes a hard position to take)

I know Mari and her family appreciate it and we are all very excited for the possibility to bring some love, care, hope and compassion into some lives.

[NuttyFluffers]

39. what about decks of cards (non-pinochle)?

anyone who lives near a casino should have ready access to a whole pile of used decks of cards. i have a few used (but complete) decks laying about and i think they'd need that more than i do.

[Solly Mack]

40. PM me a soldier's APO/thank you

My soldier hubby just got back from Iraq-knowing what to pack is something I got very good at over the last year.

[anarchy1999]

43. A kick to the top for the East Coast Morning Crowd.

Good Morning! It is a beautiful day, yes? We need to take care of Mari and we need to shut down Negroponte as new Ambassador to Iraq. Two simple tasks for the day. Ready, set, go............

Well, we could make the list be longer.......

Please skip the first 10 or so responses involving a Marple person. Totally distracted from trying to help Mari333 and Michael. Thank you in advance.

S

[anarchy1999]

45. Kicking up for the day crew and anybody else that missed this.

Thanks to everyone that responded and I really can not tell you how much it is appreciated.

[ronnykmarshall]

46. Can we send to Mari

grocery store gift cards???

We have a Von's near by and they are a the parent company of Safeway,

We could send Mari some of these to help out with the gift packages for the troops.

[anarchy1999]

47. RonnyK, That is an interesting idea. I don't know if

she has a Safeway store near her. I'll get back with you on that.

Thanks.

[ronnykmarshall]

49. Find out what stores in her area

We have several chains here in LA. I should be able to get one she could use.

[anarchy1999]

50. Thanks.

I will get back with you as soon as I can reach her.

[Justice]

48. I will send a package

I sent a PM.

Thanks for letting us do something, however small.

[anarchy1999]

52. One last kick up.

I just want to say thank you to everyone here that responded and plan to help. You have no idea how much a small act of kindness is helping a fellow DU'er.

Once again, Thanks.

[GreenPartyVoter]

53. Also, check in at the Books for Soldiers website

http://booksforsoldiers.com/

[anarchy1999]

54. Thanks GPV!

I did not know of this resource. Guess I should have. Thank you for the heads up. Knowledge is dangerous, don't you know? Are books censored for content? Just kidding......... Not.......

[roguevalley]

56. Need an addie. My boys are back in the USA. Will be proud to help.

[SoCalDem]

57. Just do not post ANY names or APOs in the forum

It's hard to keep track via PM, but it's the best way to keep their names from being made public.. We don't want them being deluged with nutty stuff from "some people"...

It's a good idea to get several names too, so that the stuff gets spread around.. They all share, but with many names and many senders, it means there is a steady stream of stuff getting to the guys.. :)

PM me with a name or two :)





Another list.. of possible goodies.. This was compiled when we were sending to my friend's son's unit.. They are having to go BACK in a month or so.. AFTER being extended past their year there already..


*Foot Powder

*Lip balm w/ sunscreen

*Lotion (perfume free)

*Moist Wipes

*Personal Message

(*These items are most requested)



Other great things are:

Decks of cards
Small handheld games
Letters of support
Holiday greetings
Hard candy
Beef Jerky
Sunflower seeds
Spices for food (Mrs. Dash etc.)
Ramen Noodles (no Pork)
Powdered drink mixes (Kool Aid, Cocoa etc.)
Baby wipes
Gum
Books
Magazines
Ziplock bags
Rubber bands
Blank post cards
Pens and pencils
Shampoo samples, soap samples etc.
Hand sanitizer
Dark socks (Dollar store)


Antibacterial waterless hand cleaner

Beef Jerky

Books

Boot Insoles

Breakfast Bars
Bug Repellent

Cameras (disposable)

Camper Style Foods

Candy (that won’t melt)

Cookies (lunch box size-Jolly Ranchers have been suggested)

Dental Floss

Facial Tissue

Fast Food Hot Sauce Packets
Feminine Hygene Products

Flashlight

Foot Powder

Gum

Magazines such as Field & Stream, Guns & Ammo, Outdoor Life

Meat Snacks
Mosquito Coils

Mouth Wash (travel size)
Odor Eaters (for boots)

Pepper (serving size)

Playing Cards

Powdered Drink Mix

Razors

Sardines

Sheets of Stationary

Snacks (cookies, granola bars, nuts)
Sunscreen (non-sticky)

Toiletries (travel size)

Toothbrushes & Toothpaste

Tuna Snack Kits

[anarchy1999]

58. Thank you for weighing in SoCalDem.

Thank you, thank you. You were my inspiration in the effort to help Mari and Michael. Thank you, would you, could you take over? I think I am out of my league.

S

[SoCalDem]

60. Beware of chocolate..... It will soon be 120+ degrees there

Ziploc bags are welcomed there.. I used to send detergent tabs in large ziplocs.. (instant mini- "washing machine"), and then the bags are reusable too :)

[anarchy1999]

61. Thanks for all the suggestions and help.

I've got to go - signing out for a while, I hope this stays up.

Thank you once again. SoCalDem, you started this action for our soldiers, Thank you!

[thebaghwan]

63. Could I please get a name and address as I have a box to go? Could you

PM me Please?

[anarchy1999]

64. Please let me get back with you.

Too many unrecognizable names are asking to help and I have to be very careful who I share this address with. I hope you understand and thank you for responding.

[SoCalDem]

65. More suggestions

Be sure to include writing tablets, and some cheapie pens (put them in a sealed ziploc)..they do not need stamps..

Include a short letter or note, and most likely you will gain a pen-pal...

Be sure and ask "your soldier" for some names of fellow soldiers.(Spread the wealth)..

Smaller boxes , sent more frequently are better.. You can get quite a bit of stuff into an athletic shoe box..

"Skin magazines" are a no-no, but there are several car magazines and sports magazines that have girls in them.. and "mainstream magazines" are ok. I always loved to send a Time or Newsweek when they were especially truthful about *.:evilgrin:..

and.. no overt politics..lots of these young ones are fed a steady diet of Rush & Hannity and Fox in general.. It is almost the "Official network of the miliyary :(..

Don't be surprised if "your soldier" is very gung-ho about what he is doing. Some need to think that way ...to stay alive.:(

[anarchy1999]

66. Thank you again tonight, SoCalDem.

The advice you have to give is invaluable. Thank you.

S

[MUAD_DIB]

67. Kick.

PM me and I'll put together a package.

Precautionary: What things are not okay to send to them...being a Muslim country?


Thanks.

[Skittles]

68. I've sent Michael four packages so far

YES INDEED!!! :D

[Stephanie]

69. Is anyone collecting $$

If someone can set up a PayPal to funnel $$ to the people who are making care packages, I think a lot more people would be able to help.

[Tinoire]

70. Anyone who was interested here; PLEASE see this also

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1506031#

[Ladyhawk]

71. Another kick

To whom do we send these care packages if we put them together? Did I simply miss that information? If we send them to Michael and he's inundated, he can share with the other troops, right?

LH

[jean]

72. Kick!

[drfemoe]

73. are you saying

that she indicated she needs "financial" help? Please clarify.