04/04/2009: "Thank You San Juan Island"

This Saturday items will once again be collected at Market Place to send to our troops overseas. The idea is simple, shoppers may donate items (see suggested list below) and/or money. The American Legion Auxiliary will have a drop-off table by the door to receive the items.

The following is a letter of thank you sent by Brandon Barkell, one of the men serving overseas:

To San Juan County & members of the American Legion & American Legion Auxiliary :
Thank you so much for the package! I just picked it up from our company CP about 20 minutes ago and I was excited to see what goodies you sent. I know my squad mates will surely be happy when I pass the stuff out at tonight's meeting. It's good to know people back home are actually doing something to support their troops rather than to just simply say they do.

Some goods that we enjoy are the drink mix 'Zip Fizz' we needs lots more! We need something to stay awake on long missions during the middle of the night.
Crackers and beef jerky are very good too.
Gum as well, for those of us trying to kick the tobacco habit.

My mom always went to the pharmacy across from the theater in Friday Harbor to buy chocolate candy what I think were called 'rocky mountain bars' or something like that. They come in peanut butter, cherry, and vanilla I think. Very good stuff! and its not too hot any more. Magazines are awsome too! National Geographic, TIME, gun magazines, 4X4 truck mags.

The war on terror over here is not what I expected from watching the news since 2003. The bloodshed and destruction is not nearly as what the media tells it to be. Although most of the cities and towns are riddled with debris, trash, and stray animals. It really does make Tijuana look like a vacation paradise.

Our AO (Area of Operation) is Nasiriyah. Which is also known for heavy fighting in the beginning of the war. Since then the fighting as nearly stopped completely. We find ourselves being bored patrolling around in humvees because nothing ever happens. But also careful not to get complacent. But we also believe that the area we work in is where all the rich guys live, that support the insurgent war across the nation. We started working along side some special units to rid the cancer of terror. Which is awsome because we train hard, and hardly ever get dirty and play hard. We also work with the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army in training, and working in their AO's, interact with them and such to help make the city safer, more stable and less corrupt.

Most of a days work is prepping for missions, or being on a mission. Which I said before, nothing ever happens. Kids run up to our humvees as we drive by on patrol or escort missions, and beg for water, food, candy and money. Some of them joke around with us, they stand around in awe like we are the coolest guys they have ever seen with our Oakley sunglasses and brand new military gear. We can't just pass everything out because it would bring even more, and I'm telling you more means A LOT MORE. To the point we are surrounded. Which is a bad thing, because one bomb could kill them all. Or if shots start getting fired, its a dangerous place for a kid to be hanging around. So we always throw stuff out the windows as we leave.

The majority of the Iraqi civilians I talk to or have seen are thankful for our presence and happy to know that we are there to help. But that is not always the case. Even though not a lot happens, are still making a difference in our missions helping the police do their job better. and eventually capturing some HVA's (high valued Asset) bomb makers, cell leaders, weapon dealers and anybody trying to stand in our way. Any questions and please feel free to ask away.

Well we are keeping our minds up and heads low and thank you again for the package!

-PFC Barkell, Brandon

ITEMS TO DONATE FOR CARE PACKAGES

FOOD ITEMS
Any salty snacks
Chips (Pringles travel best)
Jerky
Nuts
Pretzels
Sardines
Smoked oysters
Smoked Clams
Canned meats
Breakfast bars
Peanut Butter
Vienna Sausages
Canned Dips
Chewing gum
Hard candy
Black Licorice
Powdered drink mixes (individual serve size such as Crystal Lite, Kool Aid & Zip Fizz)
Single serve packets of hot sauce

OTHER ITEMS
Face wipes
Hand sanitizer
Phone cards
Polarized sun glasses
Flip flops
Lib Balm
Eye Drops
Dental Floss, tooth paste, tooth brushes
Foot powder
White Cotton Socks
Sunscreen Lotion & skin cream
Magazines: (Health & fitness, Car & Driver, Motorcycle, National Geographic, Popular Mechanics, Scientific American)
DVD movies

ITEMS FOR THE SUBMARINE
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
White T Shirts, size medium
White Cotton Socks (ankle socks preferred)
Dryer softener sheets (to place between tee shirts and get rid of the musty smell)
Multi vitamins
Chewable Vitamin C
Dried Fruit (Craisins, apricots, etc.)
Lotion for hands, face & body
Granola bars, Protein bars, Snack bars
Candy (Skittles, Starbursts)
Walnuts, Pecans
Playing Cards
DVD movies