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Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that all product photographs, descriptions and specifications on this website are accurate. However, inadvertent errors may occur, and changes in design or materials, due to our continual effort to improve products, may result in some change in specifications before subsequent publications are issued.
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CWO3 Edward Jimenez
- U. S. Marines -
Afghanistan
CWO3 Edward Jimenez
(Address not available or expired.)
Make a donation, please. Click HERE AFTER you get an address.
(This address has been requested 0 times.) (NOTE **)
APO/FPO: APO AE (Note 1*)
Added here: 06 May 2004
End date: 07 Jul 2004 (Note 3*)
Contact for approx number of Males: 75, Females: 3 (Note 5*)
Unit is from: (Note 6*)
Replaced by MSgt William Eberle

04 Aug 2004:
The squadron continues to work hard as we anxiously approach the day when we get to come home and see our families and friends again. The missions we fly in support of Operation Enduring Freedom have become even more significant as we play a key role in the upcoming Afghan elections. The insurgents seem committed to doing whatever it takes to disrupt this important process as we are committed to ensuring the success of this
historic event.

The packages and letters are still coming, but at a slower rate than before. This is OK because I am handing my duties as the squadron's "anysoldier.us" representative to one of my assistants, Master Sergeant Eberly. I can't tell you how much I, as well as all of our Marines, appreciate the support we have received in the form of letters and packages over the past 5 months. It was my pleasure to share in the joy and happiness brought on by the generosity of so many fine Americans from just about every state in the U.S. I must leave soon to return home in order to prepare for retirement after 22 years of Marine Corps service. Being a part of this global war on terror, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, was a fitting end to a great career. As a unit contact for the "anysoldier.us" program, the last 5 months were even more rewarding.

The future sees our unit being replaced by another Marine Corps squadron with the same type of aircraft and capabilities. Our mission to sustain front-line troops through re-supply and heavy lift transportation will continue until we are told we are no longer needed. Please continue to support our unit throughout our remaining time here and the next unit when they arrive in country. I want to ensure that they are able to experience the same great outpouring of support that we did and still are.

Thanks so much and Semper Fidelis,
CWO3 Ed Jimenez
HMH-769, USMC

P.S. Other than the items for our troops, you are still encouraged to send toys, pens, pencils, beanie-babies, hygiene-kits (like small toothpaste with brush for kids), decent shoes (preferably running shoes for kids/young adults) and warm clothes for the upcoming. In order to distinguish between the types of items received, please label the box as either "Any
Soldier" or "Any Local Afghan".

08 Jul 2004
Update: The wind and dust are really kicking up here in Afghanistan, and when it's not windy...it's hot. Appreciate all we have received over the 3 months that we have been in country. I have documented over 150 packages that have come through my hands, not to mention countless letters and cards.
We really make an effort to write back to everyone when we have the time. As I mentioned before, our conditions here are good and there are some things we need (or would like), but many that we don't. We are fortunate enough to have access to many things at our local Armed Forces Exchange on our camp.
They have even opened up a second store and a Burger King (trailer) to boot.
Please look to send most of your support to other soldiers and Marines deployed at the forward operating bases or those living in tents and eating MRE's. Don't get me wrong...we still do like to receive mail and packages, just want to make sure those that need it more are getting their fair share.
Since I'm on the subject, I want to make it easier and less expensive for those who want to send something to our Marines. Currently, due to the awesome outpouring of packages and gifts, some items are no longer needed.
Here is a quick breakdown (I will try and be more specific in my next update):

Toiletries - We are generally good on in this area;
(Don't send) items such as toothpaste, brushes, Band-Aids, medicines, shampoos, foot powder, chap
stick, sun screen, Q-tips, tissues, etc.
(Do Send) bar soap, hair gel, and good razors (for men & women).

Snacks/Foods - Another area we are pretty good with;
(Don't send) candies, chocolate, fatty chips, Pop Tarts, gum, sausage sticks, canned fruit, canned veggies, etc.
(Do send) power bars or similar protein bars, tuna cans or pouches, plain crackers, powdered drinks like Gatorade, Koolaid, or tea, coffee, canned jalapenos, breakfast or cereal bars, soy sauce, assorted hot sauces...just keep in mind that most of us are trying to stay in shape and need to stay away from the bad stuff.

Miscellaneous - Some items are readily available here and some are not;
(Don't send) playing cards, puzzle books, paperbacks, paper, envelopes, diaper wipes, etc.
(it's better to send) sunglasses, phone cards, pens, markers, underwear, military t-shirts (green), dvd's, video games, air fresheners (Glade Plug-ins, Stick-Ups, etc.), cigarettes/cigars, current magazines (Time, Muscle & Fitness, Stuff, etc.), canned air for computers, etc.

Beanie Babies - These are still OK to send.
Previously, I thought we had all we could use, but our Humanitarian Events Coordinator said that he can still use more, as they are easy to toss from vehicles to children as they pass through the towns.

I want to send a big thank you to the following people/groups:

- The D.C. Ramblers for their great poster card that they created with over 250 signatures gathered during a motorcycle rally over the Memorial Day weekend.
- Tracy Sorenson and the Anderson Family for sending us a basketball rim, net, and ball. Our Marines are having a great time now that we have activities to do, other than work. Pictures to follow.
- Briar and Bean Tobacco Shop in Clarksville, Tenn for the box of 250 cigars they sent our way.
- AdminaStar Federal of Louisville, KY for sending a total of 19 packages to us over the past week.

You don't have to send a large box with every possible item you can think of...just keep it simple and light. A card or letter with a phone card enclosed gives just as much enjoyment as a big box. Letters with pictures are great, as they give our Marines an opportunity to see the great people they are writing to. As a side note, a story was posted on CNN Online that described one of the real missions we were involved with. It has a great
ending because a life was saved. We played the part of the medivac helos that made it to the scene, where other aircraft were turned away by bad weather. Go to this link to learn more:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/06/22/chilcote/index.html
Until next update,
Semper Fidelis,
CWO3 Edward Jimenez

26 Jun 2004
1. As you already know, Marines can only wear green t-shirts. Duo-Fold and UnderArmour shirts are good in loose fitting sizes. A majority of our guys and gals would wear LARGE, a few MEDIUMS, and a few XLARGE.
2. Black Cotton Crew socks are preferred. Boot socks are good, but calf high socks are OK too. I bought mine at TARGET before I left the U.S., and after 3+ months, they're still working great.
3. Standard White Cotton Crew Socks are good for PT. Nothing special...Haynes has good socks.
4. Beleive it or not, someone sent us underwear for men and women. I didn't think many would need them, but they emptied the box I put out. Standard underwear are good as well as boxers. Ladies cotton underwear are preferred as well. Normal sizes for the men range from 30 to 36 waist, with a few bigger and a few smaller. Not sure on the sizes for women.

Thanks to all who have sent the toys and Beanie Babies for the children outside our camp. The response was much better than expected. We have stockpiled several loads for future humanitarian trips...so for now, we don't need anymore Beanie Babies. Still looking for a basketball rim (only), basketball, and net...as well as used baseball gloves and balls to play catch. To someone who sent cigarettes, cigars, and Copenhagen Snuff, they were a big hit for our hard working Marines. Powdered drinks and power bars (or similar) are in demand to stay hydrated and nourished during the long work days. Also, as a side note, there are many other soldiers and Marines who live in worse areas and endure austere conditions at forward operating bases, so please ensure you consider sending you support to them first.
Nevertheless, the Roadhogs of HMH-769 are greatful for all the awesome packages and letters that have come our way from some great Americans.
Semper Fidelis,
CWO3 Ed Jimenez
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 769

16 Jun 2004
Life has been pretty hectic here in Afghanistan with the Marines of HMH-769 as we continue to support Operation Enduring Freedom (Part 5). Our normal missions call for us to assist in the resupply and/or movement of soldiers and Marines at any of several operating areas. The CH-53E helicopter is the aircraft of choice due to its considerable lift capabilities and capacity to carry many troops their cargo. The past few weeks have seen us very busy flying additional missions in direct support of troops at forward operating bases (FOB's) who have sporadic contact with enemy forces (Al-Queda and Taliban). With a heavier flight schedule, our aircraft maintenance department is doing its best to keep up with operations by working 24/7 divided into 12-hour shifts. Throw in the heat, dust, and wind, and you can imagine what these "hard chargers" are going through. Through it all, they maintain focus and motivation because they know their efforts are crucial to the success of our mission. Needless to say, any support they receive, in the form of a package or letter just reinforces their belief that their job is important and that many back home appreciate what their doing. Since I'm on the subject, packages and letters have been coming to us at a steady pace. We have noticed no problems so far with empty boxes or missing items.
As I stated in my first update, we are fortunate enough to have access to a post exchange that has many of the basic necessities and more. The requests I usually get from our Marines are for items that are either non-existent or just hard to come by. For example, although it is unhealthy and a bad habit, several of our troops have asked for tobacco in the form of "snuff" (Copenhagen or Skoal) and cigars (all types) in order to unwind after a grueling day of work. There is also an urgent request for a regulation basketball rim with accompanying hardware, a net to go with it, and a basketball. We realize that shipping a portable setup with a base and pole would be impractical and very expensive...so maybe just a rim would work, since we can make our own backboard and pole. Some used baseball gloves and rubber league balls would be enjoyed as well. The snacks we've been getting are good; just keep in mind that the packages are subjected to extreme temperatures during shipping and storage prior to making its way to us here.
The Koolaid and Gatorade powders are great to mix with our water...also powdered Iced Tea would be excellent as well. Thanks to all who have sent items or letters. A special "thank you" to Thomas and Melinda Devereaux of Claymont Delaware for their exceptional generosity, and Fournier Family of Johnston Rhode Island for donating a whole box of Beenie Babies to distribute to children. We are still amazed at the thoughtfulness and overwhelming gestures of kindness that have come our way. Thanks again.

Sincerely,
CWO3 Ed Jimenez
HMH-769 "Road Hogs"

29 May 2004
Most letters from our supporters ask what they can do to help... so here are the latest requests straight from our Marines. Seems as though Beenie Babies come in handy since we are doing more and more umanitarian work out in the ville. Easy to carry and the children apparently like them. Pens and pencils are another item that local people seem to be asking for as well. The hot months (90+ degrees F) are upon us, so comfort and safety on the job is more important. Under Armor HeatGear T-Shirts (Green) are in demand since they work great in this environment but are hard to find. Also, sun-screen and aloe-vera are a hot commodity for those of us who burn easily. Of course, sun glasses with black or metal frames for the bright Afghani sun. Other than that, the items that I've listed in earlier messages are still good...other than the cold medicines (seems like it's starting to subside). Snack foods, to include canned oysters and sardines, tuna, nuts, beef jerky, etc. are fine. Powders, band-aids, coffee, eye-drops, and assorted toiletries are always good to have. DVD's, magazines, posters, calling cards, batteries (AA and AAA) are always requested as well. Thanks again for the letters and packages already sent. It's always great to hear how things are back in the states and around the world, in addition to your kind words
of encouragement.

Sincerely,
CWO3 Ed Jimenez
HMH-769

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Why? Because this list changes all the time due to unit movements, soldier transfers, or even soldier casualties.
It is also illegal. ALL content on this site is copyright Any Soldier Inc.
DO NOT send any letter or package to a soldier's address unless you check this web site the same day you mail your packages.
Please do not burden the soldiers or the APO/FPO by sending things when the soldiers are gone. If a soldier is not listed here anymore then that soldier's address is expired. Check here often!

Note that some of the units do not have ranks shown on their addresses.
This is done at the unit's request, but ALL of our contacts ARE Servicemembers.

Be sure to change the "ATTN" line to "ATTN: Any Female Soldier if your package is for a female!

DO NOT use this program if you expect or require a reply!
DO NOT expect, or require, a reply from a Soldier!
A supporter said it perfectly, "I mean, these guys and gals have other things on their minds, y’know? Like...oh, STAYING ALIVE?"

(NOTE *): Effective 1 May 2006 this web site added a major layer of security to our contacts' information. This change is necessary to protect our troops and ensure that Any Soldier will continue to operate.
The ONLY changes are that the addresses of our contacts are now hidden and the number of addresses you can get are limited. You may obtain addresses simply by clicking on the link provided and correctly filling out the form, the address will then be emailed to you immediately.

(NOTE **): The number shown is how many times a form was submitted requesting this address. This does NOT necessarily mean that this contact will be helped by that many folks. Rule of thumb is that anything 5 requests or less may in fact be no support at all. No way to tell exactly unless the contact lets you know in his/her update how much support they are getting.

(Note 1.): Note that postage to APO AE and FPO AE (E = Europe) is only to NY where the connection to the APO/FPO (APO = Army Post Office)(FPO = Fleet Post Office) is, or to San Francisco for APO AP and FPO AP (P = Pacific), so you don't pay postage all the way to Iraq/Afghanistan. You might consider picking contacts closer to your mailing area to help cut the cost of mailing. If you live on the East Coast, pick "AE", West Coast, pick "AP", Midwest, well...uh, Thank You for your Support! ;)

New with us (December 2005) you might notice "APO AA" and "FPO AA". This is for units in the Caribbean/South America. Normally. However, due to the nature of some units they may be in Iraq but have an address showing "FPO AA". Mail addresses to "AA" goes out of Miami, Florida.

(Note 2.): Why are military addresses weird? There isn't a street address or city. What gives? Correct, just about everything about the military is weird to civilians. Military units are very mobile, they move around a lot, often they even become part of another unit. The APO (Army Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) assign APO and FPO numbers as needed, they are NOT static. An APO/FPO number may be for a large unit, or a location. An APO/FPO number for Baghdad today may be for Frankfurt tomorrow.

(Note 3.): The "Expect to not mail past" date is only an approximate and is one of the least reliable things on this web site. It is because of this that you must check often before you send anything to this unit. There are a few reasons this date is not reliable, to include: it IS the Military, we ARE dealing with the APO/FPO/DPO. The only thing that does not change in the military is that things will change. PLEASE NOTE that a Contact is dropped off our active list 30 days PRIOR to their date leaving to help avoid mail bouncing.

(Note 4.): (Removed for OPSEC reasons)

(Note 5.): The lines, "Contact with approx number of Soldiers:" and "Approx how may Female Soldiers:" have NOTHING to do with unit strength. They are approximately how many other Troops the Contacts believe they can get packages to. This helps you understand that you should not send 100 packages to someone who only deals with 10 Troops.
Don't forget that if your package is for a female Soldier, be sure to change "ATTN: Any Soldier®" to "ATTN: Any Female Soldier".

( Note 6.): This is simply where the unit this contact is from. This is NOT a true picture of the folks in the unit as most all units are made up of folks from all over the United States.) A "Composite Unit" is one made up of other units and is usually temporary for a particular mission.

( Note 7.): Updated APO/FPO/DPO mailing restrictions> courtesy of Oconus.com (gone now) (Note: About Restriction "U2": "U2 - Limited to First Class Letters", Box "R" is for retired personnel that live overseas and are still authorized an APO/FPO box. Their address will be something like Box 3345R. Doubt you will see anything like that in Afghanistan or Iraq or ...)(Please Note: Sometime in August 2013, Oconus.com changed the code on their page and our form doesn't work with them anymore, so a link to their page is the best we can do, sorry.)

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Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that all product photographs, descriptions and specifications on this website are accurate. However, inadvertent errors may occur, and changes in design or materials, due to our continual effort to improve products, may result in some change in specifications before subsequent publications are issued.
Any Soldier® reserves the right to modify or change specifications without notice.