Malloy just asked for people to send phone cards to the wounded soldiers.

I tried to find the Malloy thread, but i checked a few pages and didn't find it.

Anyway, he was I guess, primarily talking about the soldiers at Walter Reed, and that they can't go home for the holidays, but don't have the $$ to call home either. Mike asked that everyone send pre-paid phone cards to the following address:

Medical Family Assistance Center
Walter Reed Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue
Washington, DC 20307

I think this is a terrific thing to do, and thought I'd list it here for anyone who isn't listening to him.

It is right out side of DC. It also has to be filled with the marines. Reed is an army hospital.

I mean, you hear the Pres goes there, all the media talks of only WR.

How many other MAIN military hospitals are there? Is WR and the Navy Hospital the only two? Where are our seriously injured vets taken when they get back to the US?

I sure owuldn't want to ignore any, and my son is in the NAVY!!!!

Walter Reed is in DC or I think it is. I used to go to a store there. I recall it as being in side DC. Bethesda is where the Marines would go I would think as they are part of the Navy. Bush has made a point of not going to any thing Dem used and this is where so many Dem( Johnson, Kennedy) went for check up etc. Or that is what I think. It can not be more than 20 miles from DC. Maybe reporters are to lazy to go that far. I also read that many of these men are moved away from the news so are put into local service hospitals.The service saying so they could be near their families and I read to also get them out of the reporters face. Who knows which is true.

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If anyone wants to do something nice for a soldier for the holidays,
the site www.booksforsoldiers.com has direct posts from soldiers with special requests.
Also links to units, anonymous soldiers, etc.

It's a crime that these people are so far from home, and some get absolutely no contact or support from any loved ones.

Lots of them are doing volunteer work with the locals, and request items for the children (school supplies, books, clothes).

Personally, I passed on purchasing that silly yellow ribbon magnet that only supports the manufacturer of the magnet, and instead used the money to actually SUPPORT a soldier. Man, it makes me crazy to hear someone tell me that I am anti-soldier because I don't support the war. As if putting a damn magnet on my car helped anyone real at all.

Here's another good cause for the troops:

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/forum/index.php

I have posted this info previously also. Sadly, obviously there are a bunch of soldiers there now, and I am sure all help will be appreciated.

The American Red Cross at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. is looking for contributions of incidentals and comfort items for sick and wounded members of the armed forces now recuperating at the hospital. When troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere are wounded or fall ill, they’re immediately evacuated and eventually end up stateside. It takes weeks for their personnel effects to catch up with them.

Things that the Red Cross is asking for are:
Telephone cards of at least 30 minutes;
Rolling luggage (small), totes, carry-ons;
Individually wrapped snacks;
Magazines;
Notepads and pens;
Playing cards and games;
Sweat pants and shirts (all sizes).

All items should be addressed to:

ATTN: Barbara Green,
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20307-5001

Checks should be made payable To: American Red Cross.

I'm definitely in favor of doing something for the troops. I appreciated getting donated phone cards while I was in Iraq.

My only thing is this. Isn't it sad and disturbing that our wounded are having to rely on charity and handouts to get items that add their comfort and recovery? After all the lipservice given to supporting the troops by the repukes this is the current situation? This is the kind of thing that needs widespread attention. To show everybody who still think repukes care about troops where their priorities really lie. Get this to Olberman and Jon Stewart and anyone else who'll spread this far and wide. With billions going to halliburton you'd think there would be some money in the DoD budget for the care an well-being of those wounded in defense of the country.

I appreciated getting donated phone cards while I was in Iraq.


how does a card purchased here in the states work in Iraq???

Individuals can order phone cards through the military exchange for soldiers deployed in and around Iraq. The rate is supposed to be better than if you purchase them regularly. The site for information about this is

https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx

if you are interested in checking into this.

My son is lucky...he's in Sicily! But I don't think he can use just any phone card to call home. Something about foreign phone companies I think.

What kind did you use when you were there?

I'm not sure which ones need the most help here. The soldiers in the hosp. in the states, or the ones still doing active duty in Iraq & Afgan.

I don't know that it is an issue of handouts as much as it really helps for injured soldiers to know that some of the American people actually give a damn about them and are thinking about them.

DOD budget can't buy these soldiers the comfort that comes from knowing some total stranger cares enough about them to send them a phone card!

should be emblazoned on everything we send to those soldiers.

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:grr:

Don't let the door hit your freeper ass on the way out!!! :spank:

:kick:

"But your president is an idiot."

I don't think that serves the purpose of showing concern and appreciation for the troops.

It makes it appear that the gift is intended (mainly?) to propogandize or vent.

I think the appreciation and concern should be unconditional and regardless of their political opinions.

But it would feel sooooo much better.