Camp Clark Community Clinic by Carl

Received an email from my eldest son a little while ago. He's USAF (Ret.) and a buddy of his who is still active military is spending some time over in Afghanistan, working in a rough neighborhood, trying to make a difference in the world. My son's buddy, Carl, send an interesting email regarding some of his activities towards winning the hearts and minds of the locals.

I suspect that most if not all of you reading this blog support our troops, to one degree or another, in one manner or another.

For those of you who wish there was just some way for you to make a difference, you can, according to our protector, Carl. See his email below:

Hello everyone, Here's a link to a few picture of things you'll probably never see on CNN or Fox News concerning the effort of "Winning the Hearts and Minds" of the people of Afghanistan. This is a Clinic just outside of our FOB that will periodically offer free medical treatment, along with warm clothing and school supplies to the local villagers. This is a combined effort between the US and our Afghan Army counterparts, and on this particular day we saw about 38 children and a few adults, but there were about 150-200 more people at the gate that had to be turned away--while that's sad, it's reality here...we just don't have enough stuff to give to everyone who needs it. On that note, if you would like to help by donating warm clothing (hats, scarf's, mittens, blankets, shoes, socks....you get the idea, or school supplies) let me know and I'll send you information on how to go about doing that. This was a very rewarding experience for me, but at the same time, a very sad experience as well. Look closely at the pictures and you'll see what I mean--this is very much a third-world country.

Please be safe and keep in touch...I'll write again soon, Carl

http://picasaweb.google.com/cwilson241/HumanitarianClinicJan82009?authkey=Gcssw1IFmWQ&feat=directlink#

So, we asked for additional information and Carl says:

What we need:

Children’s Multivitamins

Children’s Ibuprofen & Tylenol

* Spiral Bound Notepaper

* Handheld Pencil Sharpeners

* Coloring Books (no English writing)

* Backpacks, Gym Bags & Totes

Folders or Small Notebooks & Loose Leaf Paper

Pens, Pencils & Crayons

* Shoes & Athletic Socks

* Blankets

* Jackets (especially children’s)

* Hats, Scarves & Gloves

Travel Size Toiletries

Toothpaste & Toothbrushes

* Most urgently needed

Please avoid sending:

Western style clothing – including no jeans

Underwear

Infant Clothing

Make-up or Cosmetics

Shoes with high heels or unpractical for walking

Glue, tape, scissors or craft supplies

Religious items or literature

English games, books or activities

Food requiring cooking/microwave

Items can be sent to:

Community Clinic

1/203rd BST

FOB Salerno, Camp Clark

APO AE 09314

So, here's your chance.

• If you think we made a strategic mistake leaving Afghanistan behind when the Soviets left town the first time

• if you want to join the effort to win hearts and minds and keep the Taliban at bay

• if you want to help Carl make a difference

Then here's your chance.

Of course it will take a little effort on your part. You'll have to spend some time, effort and fuel to go to the store and pick up some needed supplies. You'll probably have to stand in line at the checkout, surrounded by magazines proclaiming the latest critically important issue to hit some important Hollywood star. You will then have to package up the supplies, maybe trying to find the right box in the basement, and then fight with that darn packaging tape. Slap on an address label and then schlep the whole thing to the post office or local shipping provider.

I guess I would much rather do that than what Carl is doing. My neighborhood is a lot nicer than his.