Stopping in at Republican Headquarters on the South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach, I discovered an extensive volunteer effort to send boxes of highly desired items to our men and women in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every Wednesday they ship out about 50 boxes filled with items that the men want.
The regular volunteers are led by Larry Skates and include Mary and Jim Cole, Sharon and Harry Brandt, Larry and Gloria Boudreau, Donna Angley, Martha Ann Sibley, Helen Holcomb. Jim Fairly, Jack Toon, Kathryn Essary, Muriel Priestley, Herb Gardner, Bob McKeen, JoanFeibel, Ron and Marsha Blanzenski, Jan Donohue, Janelle Rausch. Mary Jeanne Sullivan, Mary Gordan, and Earl and Beverly La Flamme.
Among the favored items are toiletries, pain medicine such as Tylenol and aspirin , foot powder, baby wipes and dried foods such as crackers amusement items.
When the weather cools candy bars such as snickers are desired but not in hot weather.
Popular amusement items the troops have asked for include playing cards, crossword and Sudoku puzzles, poker chips, soccer balls, Frisbees, movie DVDs, Music CDs , books and magazines. (They never ask for the Daytona Beach News-Journal).
One of the most interesting requests is for “silly string.” That's because silly string is really good for locating the trip wires for mines and booby traps.
Another odd request is for liquid mousetraps. A liquid mousetrap is made up of bait to attract the mice and a very sticky substance that holds them fast once they walk on it to get the bait.
Sometimes they get requests for things and foods that are unusual and the club tries to oblige them if possible.
The most asked for food stuff is Beef Jerky followed by trail mix. Evidently these are things that can be easily carried in G.I. pockets without too much deterioration.
Our men and women also often ask for articles of clothing for the Iraqi children. There are requests for hospital supplies such as blankets and hospital gowns, pillow cases and sheets.
Many letters are received along with the requests. Along with expressing sincere gratitude for the boxes the letters leave the reader with the distinct impression that our men and women believe in what they are doing and that they are having success.
Anyone who wants to take part in this program is invited to show up 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at 403 Outback Plaza on the South Causeway in New Smyrna Beach. The Phone number there is (386) 409-3060. Naturally monetary donations or in kind donations are extremely welcomed.