Lori, Marty and all who have helped with Operation Quiet Comfort,

This is for everyone: I just wanted to let everyone know how it is going in Alaska with the 172 Stryker Brigade coming home. We have met 8 plane loads so far with our returning troops and a more to go. We have been passing out phone cards to each soldier and asking them to call home. We are still getting sheets and blankets and are getting them on the beds before the guys make it to the barracks, to make sure they are “covered”. Still receiving boxes everyday and the little Red Cross elves are getting them where they need to be.

I have received many calls from families who would like me to give their soldier a hug; I have caught a bunch, but missed a few. Still trying to shake a hand or give a hug to the soldiers and welcome them home. They have a lot of support from the Fairbanks Community and will be welcomed home and thanked many, many times everyday.

I have an hour before the next plane load and I have a few things to do - calls to return. I will check in with you later and I also have a few pictures to download that you can all see.

Talk to you soon – when the world shows love those who need it feel it!!!!

Margie Achman
Station Manager
Fort Wainwright Red Cross
1024 Apple Street
Fort Wainwright, Alaska 99703
(907) 353-7234 - office
(907) 378-5471 - cell
(907) 353-7333 - fax

From Margie at the American Red Cross Station at Fort Wainwright

Message Dated November 22, 2006

To All,

You guys have been the best at supporting the troops here at Fort Wainwright. They will be arriving Saturday and I will take pictures. I know that we might not have every soldier in a comforter the minute they come home, but the $10,000 dollar order should be here soon and locally we gathered enough soap, shampoo, razors, shave cream, tooth brushes, toothpaste, lotion, mouthwash, candy snacks and calling cards for every single soldier on base. They are all in their barracks in little gift baskets awaiting their return.

Also we received a 10,000.00 dollar donation on Monday, per the donor to be used for gift cards to assist the families. The Christmas gift baskets for the holidays are also going great thanks to all of you! We will be able to help a lot of families in need.

Thanks again ladies and gentleman for everything - I wish you all the best for the holiday weekend!

Margie

NOTE: This is truly a blessing with a dash of Amazing Grace. Well done everyone!

A special “Thanks” to the good folks at AnySoldier.com for their help in getting the word out!
Lori Pate

Support our wounded troops abroad in a meaningful way... www.operationquietcomfort.com

"TOGETHER FORWARD-HOMEFRONT" a Special Project of Operation Quiet Comfort

www.operationquietcomfort.com

The American Red Cross effort continues in support of the 172nd Stryker Brigade, their families and other troops arriving and deploying from Fort Wainwright. The goal is to ensure the soldiers returning from Iraq find their living quarters comfortable - and that quality of life items for new soldiers and their families are available to those who need them. The American Red Cross will assist in that effort with your help.

Financial contributions can be made to:

FTWW Red Cross AFES
1024 Apple Street
Fort Wainwright, AK 99703

Contributions sent to the "Fort Wainwright - AFES (Armed Forces Emergency Services) - Soldiers and Family Welfare Fund" will be used "EXCLUSIVELY" for our military members and their families. The American Red Cross will ensure those in need are assisted with the contributions provided.

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Donations of the following items will be accepted by OQC Volunteer Project Coordinator, Lisa Shivel, and delivered to Fort Wainwright by appointment:

TWIN Sheet sets - New, good quality, white only (they can be washed and bleached)
TWIN Blankets and comforters - New, good quality, blue, green, black and gray (NO Red)
STANDARD Pillows
STANDARD Pillow slips

Lisa is also accepting $50 WalMart Gift Cards to provide warm winter clothing for children at Fort Wainwright who are in need of coats, boots, hats and scarves. To date, OQC's efforts have wrapped 68 children in the comfort of a grateful nation. That need continues according to the American Red Cross.

Shipping labels must be clearly marked with full names and return addresses. Packages without a return address will NOT be accepted by Lisa or her family for their safety and security. We want these folks to receive only quality items we would be willing to use ourselves. Please send your purchased donations to:

Lisa Shivel
P O Box 31247
Ft. Greely, AK 99731

Thanks very much to those of you who are stepping up to the plate - this is time sensitive. It's already cold in Alaska and the 172nd Stryker Brigade will be returning soon.