Do you know someone serving in Iraq who would benefit from such a gift? You probably know at least one person currently serving in Iraq that you'd like to do something nice for.
For me it is my friend, SGT Mary Walters.
SGT Walter serves with the 1-189th Aviation Air Assault Battalion out of Helena an in the S1 office as the Personnel Services Sergeant in Iraq.
Her office is responsible for the management and accountability of personnel in the battalion.
Day after day, Walter has faced situations that would test the steel of any soldier.
But everything is not hell in Iraq.
Amidst all the chaos glimmers of joy are evident.
For example, when the Blackhawk helicopters drop soccer balls and candy bombs the children come running.
"The waves and smiles on their faces-the trust and rapport among the Iraqi citizens and the American soldiers is strengthened," states Sgt.
Walter.
"The soldiers relate to the children and their families that these gifts come from United States citizens.
The children are always waving, smiling and excited for the presents.
" It appears that these soldiers have a seemingly endless supply of good will.
It becomes very apparent that we receive from the world what we give to the world.
We learn this in physics-the third law of motion: For every action, there's an equal and opposite reaction.
It is the essence of what Buddists call the law of karma.
Your actions revolve around you as surely as the earth revolves around the sun.
Walter is very conscious of this as she tries to do well and be well with everyone she reaches or encounters.
She makes sure to use her life for that which can be of goodwill.
It has fortified this soldier spiritually and emotionally.
And like this soldier you too can do something of goodwill.
You can send a care package to a soldier oversees.
If you don't know someone personally then you can get a list of addresses for soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors serving overseas who would be thrilled to receive a care package from Keystone Soldiers.
www.
keystonesoldiers.
com I asked Mary what items she would most appreciate receiving and this is her list:
- Shampoo and conditioner (the small sample bottles that you receive when you stay at a hotel or the $1 size from Wal-Mart)
- Phone Card
- Single powder packets of Crystal Light and Gatorade
- Beef Jerky
- Handwipes
- Cookies or chips (no chocolate-nothing that will melt)
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Hard candy
- Gum
- Magazines and newspapers
- Batteries
- Playing cards
- Hand-held games
The soldier that receives your gift can then use the box for storage when he/she is done enjoying your gift.
The recipient will be reminded of your generosity every time they use the container.
You must also use the U.
S.
Postal Service to mail your care packages for soldiers overseas because many of the other commercial shippers don't deliver to Iraq, so check to be sure.
To SGT Mary Walter's and all of those in the armed forces serving in Iraq we send you this Latin motto, NeDesit Virtus, let valor not fail.
Finish the mission and come home safely.
We salute you.