USO News
USO2GO Sends Warm Feelings of the Season Everywhere
Monday, December 05, 2011
By Joseph Andrew Lee
There are no neighborhoods of twinkling red and green lights, no fragrant pine wreaths or sparkling metallic tinsel strung along the roads of Afghanistan to remind our troops of the holidays.
Just dust.
“My guys out here sometimes feel like they are forgotten,” said Army SFC Thomas Murphy, assigned to a remote platoon outpost deep within Kandahar Province. “They go on eight-,10-hour patrols everyday and never get days off. We see the same group of locals every day. The recent improvements, [hot water, gravel to subdue the dust and a modified outdoor sanitation system] while well-received, are unfortunately a far cry from what our soldiers know as the comforts of home.”
But these troops don’t have to feel forgotten. Through its many programs and services, the USO has the ability to reach even the most remote Marine or soldier to deliver a little reminder of home. Things like gaming consoles, playing cards, flag football kits, horseshoes and beanbag chairs, are just a few examples of the deliveries made through USO2GO to even the most remote areas of Afghanistan.
And now, through the USO Wishbook, patriots at home can give these items of support to our troops in the field as a gift to a friend or loved one. It’s a gift that truly gives twice.
Army 1SGT Rouben Meraz of C Company, 2nd of the 87th Infantry, knows all too well how important these little things were to his troops after they had a particularly bad day on patrol.
“Your packages arrived the day after we lost one of soldiers,” Meraz wrote in a thank you email. “We also had two severely wounded on that operation that had to go home.
“I know people say thanks all the time, but really … thanks. To see their faces after so much ugliness -- wow. If you've ever had a bad day and wondered why you are doing your job … well, you should’ve seen how much horseshoes and beanbag chairs made them feel so happy.”
It doesn’t take much to help decorate the most remote outpost of Afghanistan with the little things that remind our troops of home. Visit USO Wishbook and help deliver the goodness and turn dust to tidings through a gift of troop support.
“Keep up the great work,” Meraz wrote. “Thanks again for helping my men get through this with a little hug from home.”
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