It is difficult for the families when troops deploy to a war zone but it is especially difficult when they leave before Christmas. For 1,500 Marines, and their families, this will be a difficult holiday season. Perhaps you saw a clip of the Joint Chiefs addressing the troops last night. My nephew was one of the troops he spoke to.

So during this Holiday season and at all times we should keep the troops and their families in our thoughts. Here in The Villages we have a group call Operation Shoebox who send packages to the troops monthly. I donate all the hotel shampoo and lotion I can gather on my trips. They also take donations of used furniture etc the sale of which provides needed cash. My patio set found its way to Operation Shoebox...(They pickup)

If you make a trip into Starbucks they are always collecting JAVA for the Troops..if you make a donation they usually give you your coffee for free.

My nephews says toothbrush's are in short supply, to clean the weapons, and packages of Beef jerky or Slim Jim's are always welcome.

Operation Shoebox will send my nephew, or anyone you know, a package...they will also send packages to anyone in his group. They just need to know the address and the number of soldiers in the group.

I am not looking forward to the next 8 months, this is my nephews 5th tour in the war zone....it takes a toll on loved ones.

While we are concerned about her well being as well as all the others.....we are chest thumping proud to have one of today's young be there defending our freedoms.

When we saw her and all her classmates at graduation from Parris Island, it was a refreshing view of America's youth that does not carry enough sensationalism to be a worthy subject for the media.

For those who rail on the fact that those who sign up in today's military are those who can do nothing else or the dregs. Well they like the media are wrong. The commanding general of Parris Island said the quality of new recruits is higher now than ever in the corps history.

We hope and pray those who lead them have the fortitude to do what is right and lead them to win.......and come home.

btk

Originally Posted by billethkid

While we are concerned about her well being as well as all the others.....we are chest thumping proud to have one of today's young be there defending our freedoms.

When we saw her and all her classmates at graduation from Parris Island, it was a refreshing view of America's youth that does not carry enough sensationalism to be a worthy subject for the media.

For those who rail on the fact that those who sign up in today's military are those who can do nothing else or the dregs. Well they like the media are wrong. The commanding general of Parris Island said the quality of new recruits is higher now than ever in the corps history.

We hope and pray those who lead them have the fortitude to do what is right and lead them to win.......and come home.

btk

I wondered if your grand-daughter would be going. If you want we can get her setup with Operation Shoebox also. If she likes coffee I am always good for a pound or two at Starbucks. I will keep her in my thoughts.

Sounds like a great idea is continuing. Colagal, can you provide contact information? It appears my son will be joining your nephew in the next six months.

Originally Posted by BBQMan

Sounds like a great idea is continuing. Colagal, can you provide contact information? It appears my son will be joining your nephew in the next six months.

I will get you the information in the next couple of days....

It looks like my fiancee's youngest son (in the Army) will not be deployed again. I forget exactly how long he has on his hitch but apparently they deemed it "not long enough" to send him back to the Middle East (he was in Iraq for a while).