Send soldiers necessities this holiday season

My name is Michelle Waln and I was born and raised in Wadena. I have friends and family currently serving overseas. I recently had the pleasure and honor of visiting with SGT Andy Otto of Echo Company 134th serving in Iraq. He was home on his two week leave and we had the opportunity to discuss what he and other members of the armed forces are faced with on a daily basis. I was wondering what I could do to help and when I asked about items that the troops want and need I was given a detailed list of items they both want and need.

Many of us do not realize, but the troops are not provided with daily necessities such as razors, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream and deodorant. Yes these items are available to the troops for a fee, but because they do not carry cash it is a pain to get these items. By simply sending items to those serving overseas you will save them the trouble of having to get cash to buy such simple necessities. How many times I have forgotten to buy another tube of toothpaste or more deodorant only to pick it up on my next trip to the store. Yes, I found it to be an inconvenience but imagine being a soldier and to have the hassle of getting these necessities while you spend your days wondering if you will be fired upon, if everyone in your unit will make it through the day and your nights are spent listening to the Black Hawks flying overhead. After a few months when a mortar hits, it no longer phases you, as it has become a part of your daily life. As Americans we enjoy more freedoms than any other nation. Some complain about the war and hold their anti-war signs (it is thanks to the thousands serving in places such as Iraq that you are able to hold that sign.) Even if you do not agree with the war you can still support the thousands of men and women serving this great country, allowing us the many rights we each enjoy today.

Each day we have the ability to walk in to a store and buy what we are hungry for or need. These men and women eat in a mess hall and buy limited supplies at the supply store and it is a hassle. Some of the items are things we would never think of to send; Little Debbie's, Beef Jerky, the new Hamburger Helper single serving microwave dinners (yes many of the soldiers have access to a microwave). These are some of the items the soldiers would like to receive. The holiday season is fast approaching, in addition to, or instead of the gifts you buy for all of your loved ones, take a moment and think about spending a few extra dollars on something to send to the troops. There are multiple drop locations in the area. If you have a business looking for good cause please donate.

Thank you to the Wadena VFW Post 3922 for their donation. Additional monetary donations are needed to help cover the cost of shipping and purchase supplies. Please see the list of items needed below.

Following is a list of items that are wanted and needed by our armed forces. Packages must be shipped to a soldier's attention so if you know of someone serving overseas that would be willing to be a point of contact for a shipment of items (I would send to their attention and ask them to share with their fellow soldiers) please contact me with their information and I will be sure to add them to my list of soldiers.

Items will be collected at the locations listed below until Dec. 11.

Needed Items

Shaving Cream

Razors (refill cartridges - Gillette)

Liquid Body Soap

Deodorant

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Wanted Items

Chocolate

Sunflower Seeds

Little Debbie's

Gum

Beef Jerky

Hamburger Helper (single serving microwave dinners)

Single serving microwavable desserts

Drop Locations

New York Mills VFW Post

Wadena VFW Post 3922

Wadena Elks Lodge

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, New York Mills

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wadena

For any questions please contact:

Michelle Waln

35523 585th Ave

Bluffton MN 56518

218-385-3482

Thank you,

Michelle Waln

A supporter of America's Soldiers