Adopt a Soldier: Ensure He or She Receives Basic Supplies

Did you know that our military troops often don't have an adequate supplies of basic-living and hygiene items? Many of our soldiers are in desperate need of items such as toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, socks and feminine products.

If you were like me, you were probably under the assumption that these basic necessities were provided by the military. What you don't realize is that these items don't come often enough and in some cases not at all. Other times there is just not enough to go around for everyone. Think about it, if you are patrolling around Baghdad or looking for explosive devices, you can't just run down to the local store to pick up some shampoo.

I recently decided to adopt some soldiers and came across a website called anysoldier.com, this is where I learned how much of a need there are for these items. Each soldier that signs up there represents others in their group.

They each write a personal note and sometimes include their living conditions and what items they are needing and what items they are wanting.. Some of these letters will bring a tear to your eye as some Sergeants are writing on behalf of their men and women who get no care packages and have nobody to correspond with. I don't know how that can't touch your heart. The notes they post really add a personal touch to the situation.

Many soldiers are living out there with no microwaves, stoves, freezers or refrigerators. They only food items they are getting is what the military supplies and what we care enough to send. There are men out there who more than anything just want some canned foods that you can pop the top off of. Many woman are in need of bras and female products. It's a shame that they have to depend on us to help. It's even more shameful that so many Americans blindly ignore the situation and choose not to help.

I recommend that you check the above mentioned site and help our people out. There are so many items they need, things we take for granted and they are generally inexpensive items. It would be a nice idea to "adopt" a group for the holidays or bring the idea up to your church or even your school. I think it would be a great way to teach our children about patriotism and helping out those in need. It would also teach them valuable lessons about respecting our military personnel and veterans.

If you decide to help out, make sure you pack items extremely well (add newspaper, bubble wrap, etc). Also keep hygiene supplies separate from foods to prevent flavoring the food like shampoo or soap. Shipping is to the United States initially, so it is around $9.00 to ship a flat rate box. You can get these boxes for free from usps.com.

Whether you support the war or not isn't the issue. The fact that the military should supply more of these items is not the issue. The issue is that our own men and women need our help and we should stand behind them and support them.

Here are some of the most needed items, please check your soldiers specific requests since all living situations are different.

Shampoo
Body Wash
Deodorant
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes (they get sand in them often)
Foot Powder (to help prevent blisters)
Baby Wipes (you don't always get to shower often or have adequate water supply)
AT&T International Pre-Paid Calling Cards (the only way to call home)
Socks
Underwear
Sports Bras
Towels
Tampons
Extension Cords
Beef Jerky (many, many request for this one)
Canned Foods
Anything to Flavor the Water (pre-sweetened Kool-Aid, tea, coffee, Crystal Light singles)
Candy
Ketchup Packets (apparently none over there, only tomato sauce)
Sheets
Zip-Loc bags (to keep dust out of everything)
Paintbrushes ( to get the dust out of their weapons)
Winter Items
Dryer Sheets (to keep away mosquito's)
Board Games, Cards, Puzzles
Tobacco (many said they'd go without a meal for some, check to see if you can ship this overseas)
Christmas Lights
Many More Items, Check the Soldiers List