Westchester Musician Accepting Non-Perishable Supplies for Friend in Iraq

If for some reason, we look up and are running low on things like deodorant, toilet paper and even potato chips, a feeling of annoyance encroaches upon us. As we process the feeling, it then looms over us that we have to make an extra stop on the way home from work tomorrow night and yet more time lost to our busy schedules. American troops in Iraq should be so lucky.

Seven years ago, following the aftermath of the September 11^th attacks, Mamaroneck resident Dave Campbell joined the armed forces out of a duty he felt to serve and protect our country. It surprised fellow musician Pete Hopkinson, given the image that Mr. Campbell had always portrayed before he left for the army. "Years ago, he had tons of piercing so you wouldn't think he'd be the military service kind of guy," he says.

On the other hand, he did get it. "Like a lot of people in America he felt it was something he needed to do," says Mr. Hopkinson. As with most of us, there is definitely a disconnect between Americans here and the soldiers there that are risking everything - even when it comes to friends.

Petey Hop, as he's known in local blues and rock circles, had lost contact with Mr. Campbell until very recently when an email arrived in his inbox. From that, he found out what he already knew. "There are no comforts over there," says Mr. Hopkinson, and far fewer in the out of the way base location that his friend resides.

From the reintroduction, Mr. Hopkinson wanted to know what he and the rest of us could do to help. In addition to the above - soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other general toiletries do what they can to relieve the 130 degree summer heat. On the luxury side, used books, CD's and DVD's are welcome diversions from the distance that separate them from home. Candy (but not chocolate), Beef Jerky and other edibles that can survive the shipping and the heat also have an impact.

Further more, Mr. Campbell is hoping that people could address packages directly to a fellow comrade named Heidi Castillo. "The one girl who wasn't getting anything from home, he wanted to help her out," says Mr. Hopkinson.

The separate sentiment raises the level of connection for someone who's far from home and in need of remembrance. "It says a lot to me that they are looking out for each other," he says.

In the absence of boxing supplies yourself, he hopes he can amplify his efforts by mixing his music with the good will and big hearts he knows that his many area fans have. Petey Hop and The Wallbangers perform every Monday night at Lucy's in Pleasantville and will be collecting non-perishables as an on-going effort. He is also asking for a few dollars here and there to help cover the costs of shipping.

Of course, we all carry our own beliefs on the validity and justification for the war in Iraq, but when it comes to supporting the troops, he thinks the politics should be checked at the door. "It doesn't make a difference because we're still there and they still need things," he says.

As for coming out and rocking out to a good time, Lucy's Lounge is highly conducive to that end, according to Mr. Hopkinson. "The crowd there is fairly mixed in age, anywhere from early mid 20's to mid 40's and the vibe and attitude is really good," he says.

Address Packages to Dave Campbell 502 MICO TF Ram, APO AE 09322 and please use regular mail - not UPS or FedEX