Salam Alaykum, Democraticunderground!

[Squatch]

Happy New Year from Kandahar, Afghanistan!

Well, it's been an interesting couple of months, to be sure. I find myself in charge of reconstruction and humanitarian assistance projects for Kandahar Province which, as you know, has been in the new frequently as of late due to the numbers of casualties the coalition forces are taking. However, from my vantage point, I think we are making significant progress in getting the people of Afghanistan to trust in their government's ability to provide internal security.

A weird thing happened today that really drove home how much the average Afghan really appreciates the American and Coalition presence here. On a whim, I decided to inspect a water well being dug by four men using a drill that must have been 100 years old. After greeting 3 of the 4, I noticed the last man raise his shovel over his head and start to gesture wildly. I initially thought that he was going to try to take my head off, so I stepped back and put my hand on my pistol, preparing to defend myself. He threw down the shovel, walked up to me, and with tears in his eyes gave me a huge hug and invited me to drink chai. (I don't think I'll ever forget the sight of that man...small, weathered face, scraggly beard, dirty from head to to, but dazzling green eyes)

I didn't have my terp with me, so I declined but promised to myself that I would return. About 1/2 hour later, I came back with my terp and 5 gallons of diesel fuel for their well which drew many emotional 'thank yous'. One of the men said it was wonderful to see the Americans who actually care about the welfare of the Afghan people. I was absolutely astounded at how such a simple gesture was met with nothing but pure appreciation.

Besides reconstruction, I also handle humanitarian assistance. We frequently visit with the impoverished villages around here to distribute dry foodstuffs and clothing. That brings me to a request I have for you all. The people here are, by and large, "salt of the earth" kind of folks. They have families of inquisitive and enthusiastic children and are often surviving in life with nothing more than 4 mud walls and clothing that had long seen its utility expire.

While a great number of DUers have offered me care packages, it is not I that needs the care. I would ask that you send items like winter coats, boots, sweaters, hats, gloves, and socks for the Afghan people. I will distribute the generous gifts you offer and will post updates and pictures on this website (taking care to preserve operational security, of course).

In any case, I could sure use a DUer to coordinate this effort. While I love being a DUer, I'm a little cautious to post my address in the clear...too many people out there hate liberals, and waaaaay to many people despise liberals in uniform.

I hope the new year finds you all doing well!

Khoda Hafiz (I'm trying to learn Dari & Pashto)
Brian

[babylonsister]

1. Squatch-is chai tea, and what's a terp?

I had no idea you were over there. We have our own reporter! Thank you for helping! If there's enough interest, I would like to help you. We shall see.

But I might be able to dig up some stuff for your friends over there even though most of my older coats went to the shivering homeless over here.

Please keep in touch, and rec'd. I hope this thread gets seen. :hug: and happy new year to you!

[Squatch]

2. Terp = in"terp"reter...

Chai is a general word for tea...and it's nothing like Starbucks Chai. It's basically green tea served piping hot. It's a social beverage over here, and most Afghans take it really seriously.

[babylonsister]

3. Starbucks? What is that?

;) I remember it from a Thai restaurant many moons ago. It was very sweet iirc.

Anyway, if you need help, you know where to find me. And consider this a kick.

Please stay safe!

Edit to add: Are your terps allowed to wear scarves to disguise themselves? That was
a recent issue here.

Also, it's NY Day morn so don't despair if you don't hear from a lot of people who might still be sleeping.

[roguevalley]

47. And backatcha, Brian! You're looking good, honey. Keep it that way.

:)

I wish you the best short tour possible. If you get my drift. ;)

:evilgrin:

And may I say, the idea of you being there to help someone's little daddy and granddaddy makes tears come to my eyes. I hug you all.

[JVS]

4. Hey there. Good to hear from you. I drank a glass of King of Flanders in your honor in September.

[Squatch]

5. Vielen Dank, JVS

Die deutschen Soldaten im Norden (Mazar-e Sharif) dürfen bier trinken. Ich denke oft daß ich den falschen Armee eingetreten habe. :(

[martymar64]

6. Alaykum a Salam, Squatch

Although I have issues with our forces being used in the Middle East, I greatly appreciate what you and others like you are personally doing in Afghanistan. We need more like you in our military, those who genuinely care for their fellow human beings, regardless of nationality.
I'm not good at organizing but I have plenty of clothes that would find a good life with our Afghani brothers and sisters. Whoever sets up a program to get those clothes to you, please make sure I'm on the list.
Please keep us posted on how your doing and when you come home, I'll be very proud to buy you a drink.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Alaykum a Salaam, Satch

You are following the Path of Peace. This is the way to deal with the Taliban and their ilk--help the people in a way that they understand. Give them schools, give them tools to bring fresh water, good health, and decent crops to their villages. Then they are not tempted by the Taliban's wild promises.

To where should we direct packages?

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. I'd be glad to help

Just coordinated a care package drive for a group of soldiers in Afghanistan. People were amazingly generous.

How about a mitten and hat drive? For kids? Or adults too? PM me if you don't feel comfortable posting here.

[NC_Nurse]

9. Happy New Year, Squatch!

I would love to participate in getting you all of those items. Please include me in whatever we can organize.
You are doing important work and I wholeheartedly support you. :-)

Please keep us posted! It's so great to hear from you. :loveya: Be safe, we want you back home ASAP!

[crispini]

10. I would love to help.

I have some sweaters that need homes. Also, I can help coordinate. I don't have a PO Box but I could get one.

[proud2BlibKansan]

12. I just sent a PM to Skinner asking if the admins would let us send items to them

I think this is such a fabulous idea. I just coordinated a care package for troops in Afghanistan for Christmas. I was blown away by the generosity of people and I think we would get a terrific response here for this project.

My idea is to have DUers send items to the admins. We would also need to collect money to pay for the shipping. (I was shocked by the expense.)

Let me know what you think. :)

[crispini]

16. That's a good idea.

A known central point-- and they already have a PO Box. They may have to get a bigger one, haha.

[EFerrari]

27. Skinner and EarlG have babies.

?

Another way to go would be to use regional collecting points -- like four? And mail out the stuff from there? Or, is there a way we could get mil shipping?

Anyway, I'm so in! What a great idea!

[proud2BlibKansan]

29. I am way ahead of you

(and that's probably the first and only time - LOL)

Check your email. :hi:

[EFerrari]

30. LOL! Okay!

:hi:

[sce56]

67. If you send things to someone in San Francisco they would have to pay to mail to the East coast!

Any way the idea of sending things is great but as for the logistics of it in previous wars the postage to a Combat Zone was free now days you pay to the APO which is somewhere on the east coast, Charleston SC maybe? The best bet would be to find a DU'er in that city then mail to them they could turn it around there and mail for free. If you send things to someone in San Francisco they would have to pay to mail to the East coast! Of course the flat rate idea is great but then you would mail direct to Squatch and would need to contact him personally to get his apo address and maybe of some of his buddies to share the burden if he was getting Tons of stuff it might stick out to much in the eyes of the APO!

From
http://www.troopcarepackage.com/shipping.html


Shipping
Care packages shipped to the military overseas must be mailed through the USPS. Packages must weigh less than 70 pounds and be smaller than 130 inches in total length and girth. You can figure this by multiplying the height by two, plus width times two, and adding the length (2 x height + 2 x width + length).

I suggest using the USPS Flat Rate boxes. No matter which Flat Rate Box you choose, the postage is $8.95, regardless of weight or destination. This includes any APO/FPO military mailing address.

The Post Office also offers a Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box. These boxes are 50% larger than the $8.95 boxes and they only cost $10.95 to ship to military personnel serving overseas.

Both the $8.95 and $10.95 flat rate boxes are available at your local Post Office or online at USPS.com. Single flat rate boxes are available or you can pick them up in packs of 10 or 25. There is no upfront charge for the flat rate boxes. You pay the $8.95 or $10.95 when you ship your package(s). Order boxes online by clicking here.

The U.S. Postal Service also has a Military Care Kit to make it easier for military families and friends to send packages to servicemen and women and stationed overseas. Each free kit contains three flat rate boxes, two cube boxes, nine address labels, and 16 customs forms. The kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734.

Note that packages addressed to APO AE and FPO AE only go to New York and packages addressed to APO AP and FPO AP only go to San Francisco. Once mail reaches these stateside military installations, it is then taken over by the Armed Forces. You do not pay postage all the way to Iraq/Afghanistan.


APO = Army Post Office
FPO = Fleet Post Office
AE = Europe
AP = Pacific


You might consider picking service members close to your mailing area to help cut the cost of shipping if you do not use the Flat Rate boxes. If you live on the East Coast, pick "AE", West Coast, pick "AP", Midwest… you decide.


Address Your Package
Mail addressed to “Any Service Member” or similar wording such as “Any Soldier”, “Sailor”, “Airman”, and “Marine” or “Military Mail”, etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual.

I suggest typing your service member’s mailing address in large, bold letters, printing it and taping it on the package. Hand written addresses might cause confusion. I cover the entire address label with tape to keep it dry and help reduce smudging.

Be sure to include your complete return address on the package. Packages without return addresses might be discarded.

Do Not Send the Following Items Overseas
Firearms, pressurized or aerosol items (such as shaving cream), chocolates (they'll be soup in the desert), pornographic or sexual materials, alcohol, bulk religious materials, pork or items with pork by-products.

Flammables, corrosives, toxins and other dangerous goods are not permitted. Some of those items include perfumes, colognes, hairspray, matches, butane, flea and tick collars and sprays, some cleaning agents, paints, etc.

Silly string. Since it comes in an aerosol can, it is considered a hazardous material, meaning the Postal Service will not ship it by air.

Sunscreen must be marked non-aerosol. If it is a product that is possibly aerosol, it will be refused.

Liquid Hand Sanitizer is refused. Prohibited for International Military mail for it consists of flammable alcohol properties.

Lithium Batteries. Lithium is restricted in International mail so you must identify what type of batteries you are sending (ie Alkaline AA batteries, AAA nickel Cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd), AA Nickel Metal Hudride (NiMH) batteries, etc.

For a complete description of the restrictions at an APO/FPO address, visit http://www.oconus.com/zipcodes.asp

[JustAnotherGen]

11. Thank you for a 'from the field' report

:hug:

[AnotherMother4Peace]

13. k&r - I would love to be a part of this. God bless you for your service. n/t

[Froward69]

14. Have a Happy and SAFE New year!!!

:patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :patriot: :fistbump:

Well I am not In position to render much assistance. However I will help with anything or any way possible...

So Who/Where are we sending the clothes/Boots/Hats/coats...



Stay away from the uniformed Neo-cons!!! my nephew got In a heap of trouble standing up for what he believes in. (Navy)

[Canuckistanian]

15. Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatu Allah, Squatch

Say hi to our Canadians for me, would you?

I have a cousin over there somewhere. He's with the PPCLI, although I'm not sure if he's in Kandahar or not.

Happy New Year.

[supernova]

17. Wonderful Squatch!

I would love to help out. I've got plenty of stuff that could be used over there.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

18. Squatch! Happy New Year!!

:patriot: :hug: :yourock:

Thank you for your service.

Vibes for safety and success in the year ahead.

[likesmountains 52]

19. K & R...bookmarking for later. Definitely want to help with this!

[blaze]

20. Dear Squatch

I am 55 and you represent everything I believed about our country when I was growing up.

I will be happy to pack up some winter clothing items... and help with cost of shipping.

Thank you for representing us so well.

[bicentennial_baby]

21. I'd be happy to knit some items for this

If we can get it going, I'm in!

Bookmarking for later. :)

[Kajsa]

22. Happy New Year, Squatch!

Thank you for your service and all the work you are doing
to help the people of Afghanistan.
They will remember your kindness. :)

I would love to help out.

Please let me know where to send the care packages.

Be safe! :hug: :yourock:

[Odin2005]

23. Good to hear from ya, Squatch! And A Happy New Year!

You "report from the field" just confirms my belief that Obama's position on Afghanistan is correct.

And good luck learning Pashto! I heard it's a really cool language!

And if you ever run into my cousin Cody Halvorson tell him hi!

[ProfessorGAC]

24. Good Luck, Squatch

Come home healthy!
GAC

[TahitiNut]

25. Salaam 'Alaykum, bro'.

Thank you for all that you do and all that you are! :patriot:

[Alameda]

26. Wa alaikim selam wa barakathu,

I would certainly like to send some things. I have a Afghan lady friend here who goes to garage sales often to find things to send home. Please let me know when this is coordinated.

Take care and thank you for doing good work.

[EFerrari]

28. Happy New Year, Squatch!

Do you think we could get a ride for the stuff we collect/

Great idea and it'll be so much fun to do. :)

[proud2BlibKansan]

32. I asked about military shipping rates when I sent my care packages

My post office said they don't offer that rate anymore.

Maybe a military person would know?

That's the hardest part of this - it is really expensive to mail stuff to Afghanistan.

[EFerrari]

33. I bet. While we're collecting stuff, maybe we can look back channel

or maybe Squatch knows some guys flying back and forth.

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. I am going to a Gaza rally today.

I will spread the word asking for donations. I will also go by the store and pick up some things. So I can at least start gathering stuff right away. I hope to have enough to send Squatch a package by first of next week?

I have 2 meetings next week and will ask for stuff there too. And of course from my fellow teachers.

In the meantime let's see what we can find out about shipping costs.

[EFerrari]

35. Do you mean a week from Monday?

I need about that much time for a first batch, anyway. I found a group that rebuilds stuff in Israel. They're busy today but I can call them in the morning and ask them for help.

[proud2BlibKansan]

36. That's fine

Send it whenever you can.

[EFerrari]

37. If it comes together sooner, it can go sooner.

Is there anything else we need to know? Trying to think. No lettering on the garments to be on the safe side?

[proud2BlibKansan]

38. Good question, I honestly don't know

Do they have gangs in Afghanistan? Here when we collect stuff like this we have to be careful of colors because of local gangs.

[EFerrari]

39. I don't even know the gangs around here.

lol

But I was thinking that Western lettering might cause problems. If there are special considerations, maybe Brian can tell us when he checks back.

:-)

[alfredo]

31. I belong to a veteran mailing list, I will drop them a note. One lives

in NH and does send out care packages. He's a good Liberal.

[EFerrari]

40. Kick

[fortyfeetunder]

41. Thank you for your service, and Happy New Year

I am cleaning out this week and can spare some things. I have a ton of excess fleece fabric that I can make hats and scarves from.

For DU'ers -- perhaps we can post this on the Activists Page

[shadowknows69]

42. Alaykum A Salam

And thank your for your honorable service to your uniform and your care and empathy for the Afghani people. It is great to know there are many like you still showing a kind and helpful face on our nation's behalf.

[blaze]

43. Afternoon kick n/t

[annabanana]

44. An idea... There are devices that will suck all the air out of

clothing to make it pack more compactly.. I think this might be just the ticket for bulky items like coats & jackets...

[supernova]

46. Oh yea, space bags

are really nice for that.

I hadn't thought of using them to pack bulky items for shipping, but it is a nice idea.

:toast:

[GCP]

45. Namaste

And stay safe, Squatch :fistbump:

[ColbertWatcher]

48. Good job and stay safe. k+r, n/t

[robinlynne]

49. wonderful. You make us humble and proud! So great to see Duers stepping up

for this project. I have these handknitted winter gloves and scarf I will never wear, but was waiting to find someone who would actually appreciate them to give them to, because a good friend made them one stitch at a time. Think I've found their new home.
Somebody post where we should send winter clothing to, when an address is ready!
Perhaps one Duer can receive the clothing, and another can find out about military shipping? and another do the shipping money collection, so the work gets split up.

[UrbScotty]

50. Happy New Year, Brian!

Thank you for all you do.

Peace in 2009.

:patriot:

[NuttyFluffers]

51. and peace be upon you as well!

now come back to us, you here? keep your head down, your eyes sharp, and your heroics to slim to none, and be sure to finish up and come back. :hi:

[Number23]

52. Kick! And a rec too!

[stlsaxman]

53. Wonderful idea, Squatch!

Reading thru the replies i was unable to determine if a stateside point person has been designated...

Keep us posted if you can and all best to you and everyone over there!

[elleng]

54. Salam

and Shalom!

[Maestro]

55. Thank you for serving

and I wish our military would be used more like this. You are doing a great service to the country and the people. Stay safe and happy new year!

[byronius]

56. What an excellent post, sir.

You're what the American Military, of which I am a big fan, must become.

[slackmaster]

57. Thanks Squatch

Stay safe.

[hootinholler]

58. Hey Squatch.

How much longer you have over there?

I'll keep an eye on developments in this thread and see what I can do to help. I cleaned out the old winter stuff last month for a shelter here.

-Hoot

[La Lioness Priyanka]

59. alaykum salaam brian.

let me know if you need any help.

khuda hafiz

priyanka

[bigtree]

60. I'm certain they appreciate the 'hunanitarian' aid and reconstruction assistance

. . . but I think those Afghans who appreciate the 'security' of our forces are in a privileged set who aren't yet at the point of our military's advance on their community. I really don't think it's in our interest or right to build-up the regime you're optimistic about the Afghan's accepting as their protector.

I think we should bug-out of the cities and get on with the original mandate in the original 'authorization to use force' which clearly called for the 'pursuit of the perpetrators' of the 9-11 attacks. This nation-building is for the Afghans. Our country's opportunistic involvement in that is certain to corrupt even further than it already has.

I appreciate the report 'from the field' Squatch. Stay safe and best of luck with your work.

[sce56]

66. Apparently he met one of the few that has yet to have a relative killed in a wedding party bombing!

The use of standoff weapons to fire at targets only seen through the cold eye of a drone or by the use of informants who many times have used our services to just settle old scores by accusing innocents of being Taliban or Al Queda! What is it like 80% of those sent to Gitmo were the victims of a unverified bounty hunt $2500.00 for turning in Al Queda with no proof?

Any way the idea of sending things is great but as for the logistics of it in previous wars the postage to a Combat Zone was free now days you pay to the APO which is somewhere on the east coast, Charleston SC maybe? The best bet would be to find a DU'er in that city then mail to them they could turn it around there and mail for free. If you send things to someone in San Francisco they would have to pay to mail to the East coast! Of course the flat rate idea is great but then you would mail direct to Squatch and would need to contact him personaly to get his apo address.

[iconicgnom]

70. Something about the american way glorifying war and "the troops" that makes me shudder.

Esp. wars 1/2 a world away that've long outlived their pretext.

[bigtree]

78. I think the vast majority of the troops are to be commended for their service

They're involved in much more than just 'warring'

I would like to see them directed to focus more on their 'defense' role than on these nation-building missions.

[Marrah_G]

61. SQUATCH!!!!!!!!

~great big hugs~

So glad to see you (read you)>

I'll pm you my email if you want to talk about care packages.

You look great and healthy and all in one piece !

I'm so glad to see we are doing some good there, the thought of the Taliban return to power makes my blood run cold.

[BlueCollar]

62. Thanks for all you are doing

As a veteran I'm proud of what you are doing and will bookmark this thread. I will check on it periodically to see what I can do to help.

:hi:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

63. Dude, all these year...

I had no idea you were such a hottie! :D

Anyhoo, I would love to be invloved with this. Keeping with the four regions idea upthread, would the items then be mailed directly to you for dispersal?

I am in San Francisco, and would be happy to act as a West Coast mail point. I am blocks from our Main Post office and like nothing more than packing boxes for mailing. I also have many thrift/discount shop here where I can pick up a whole lot of items for very little $$$.

DUers, how are we going to do this????

[Festivito]

64. Thanks for everything. /nt

[wryter2000]

65. Now, that's what I call service

Thanks for everything you do and for letting us all share.

[iconicgnom]

68. It's good to see that now with the Dems leading an Afghan "surge"

the people of Afghanistan are crying tears of joy at the continuing NATO presence, and have warm feelings of trust and happiness in the Karzai gov't. It would almost make me wonder why a "surge" in Afghanistan is needed, if I were a wondering sort.

And this gift was delivered by George W. Bush! I can see why the Republicans are a bit peeved that the world doesn't show more gratitude. I wonder what more Bush can do to liberate the world in his last 18 days of office? Whatever, it's all for peace and democracy and I'm all for it! It's just too bad that the office of POTUS is limited to two terms. But anyhow, we can be thankful that Obama has promised to continue to drive forward with Bush's plans, and I fully expect the people of northern Pakistan to be showering NATO with roses in the coming months (and who knows, even in Iran!). Not that they'll be lining the streets with roses on day one! That would be too much to ask of them when they're digging their way through the rubble of the past. But in later weeks, when they see how warm and cuddly "the troops" are, their pockets full of chocalate bars, there'll be happiness there and around the free world.

It makes it all worth it, to my mind, when I see this new years cheer :)

[psychmommy]

69. hearts and minds.

thank you for your service and i would contribute as well.

[blaze]

71. Kicking! n/t

[Uncle Joe]

72. Kicked, too late to recommend.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Squatch.:thumbsup:

[Sultana]

73. Wa alaikum assalaam

Stay safe, Inchallah.

[Quantess]

74. K & R

:hi:

[MagickMuffin]

75. Thank you Squatch, for ALL of what you are doing in Afghanistan :=D

It good to hear some good news about our military forces and the job they are required to do.

I have some clothes I could donate.

I saw a Booknotes on C-SPAN with Greg Mortenson author of Three Cups of Tea. http://www.threecupsoftea.com/

I was amazed how one man could accomplish so much for the less fortunate in this world of ours. He helped to raise funds and awareness for using money to help promote education ( constructive ) instead of bombs ( destructive ) purposes.

Since you mentioned the men drilling for water, I don't know if you are aware of the "Playpump"

http://www.playpumps.org/site/c.hqLNIXOEKrF/b.2559311/k.7BCB/Playpumps_International_and_the_PlayPump_water_system_Kids_play_Water_Pumps.htm



While children have fun spinning on the PlayPump merry-go-round (1), clean water is pumped (2) from underground (3) into a 2,500-liter tank (4), standing seven meters above the ground.

A simple tap (5) makes it easy for adults and children to draw water. Excess water is diverted from the storage tank back down into the borehole (6).

The water storage tank (7) provides a rare opportunity to advertise in outlaying communities. All four sides of the tank are leased as billboards, with two sides for consumer advertising and the other two sides for health and educational messages. The revenue generated by this unique model pays for pump maintenance.

The design of the PlayPump water system makes it highly effective, easy to operate and very economical, keeping costs and maintenance to an absolute minimum.

Capable of producing up to 1,400 liters of water per hour at 16 rpm from a depth of 40 meters, it is effective up to a depth of 100 meters.

This system is currently being used in Africa, but I would think that a lot of countries could benefit from this simple yet effective water system.

Good Luck to you, stay safe and keep up the great work:hug:

Salam Alaykum, And Happy New Year to you!

[bridgit]

76. And Peace be with you...

:hi:

[Duer 157099]

77. Aside from clothing...

I've got a bunch of stuffed animals my son has outgrown - are these too frivolous to consider, in that clothing is so much more critical? I'd bet the children would really like them though.

I'm totally in, I've got plenty of stuff I can send along.

[EFerrari]

79. Kick

[Earth_First]

80. Please let us know where we can send some items...

The wife and I went through our winter gear and have a number of items to help your cause.

We'll also be willing to dontate a dozen brand new hats, mittens and scarfs to the till as well.

Let us know!

[alfredo]

81. Kick

[Hell Hath No Fury]

82. WHERE ARE WE WITH THIS FOLKS???

Any update on the hows/whens?? I have some shipping $$$ and donations all ready to go, just waiting on word. :hi:

[blaze]

83. Wondering the same! n/t