| Care packages for soldiers overseas... Do you know | | | | oversees. If you don't know someone personally then |
| someone serving in Iraq who would benefit from such | | | | you can get a list of addresses for soldiers, Marines, |
| a gift? You probably know at least one person | | | | airmen and sailors serving overseas who would be |
| currently serving in Iraq that you'd like to do something | | | | thrilled to receive a care package from Keystone |
| nice for. For me it is my friend, SGT Mary Walters. | | | | Soldiers. |
| SGT Walter serves with the 1-189th Aviation Air | | | | I asked Mary what items she would most appreciate |
| Assault Battalion out of Helena an in the S1 office as | | | | receiving and this is her list: |
| the Personnel Services Sergeant in Iraq. Her office is | | | | - Shampoo and conditioner (the small sample bottles |
| responsible for the management and accountability of | | | | that you receive when you stay at a hotel or the $1 |
| personnel in the battalion. | | | | size from Wal-Mart) |
| Day after day, Walter has faced situations that would | | | | - Phone Card |
| test the steel of any soldier. But everything is not hell in | | | | - Single powder packets of Crystal Light and |
| Iraq. Amidst all the chaos glimmers of joy are evident. | | | | Gatorade |
| For example, when the Blackhawk helicopters drop | | | | - Beef Jerky |
| soccer balls and candy bombs the children come | | | | - Handwipes |
| running. "The waves and smiles on their faces-the trust | | | | - Cookies or chips (no chocolate-nothing that will melt) |
| and rapport among the Iraqi citizens and the American | | | | - Dried fruit |
| soldiers is strengthened," states Sgt. Walter. | | | | - Nuts |
| "The soldiers relate to the children and their families | | | | - Hard candy |
| that these gifts come from United States citizens. The | | | | - Gum |
| children are always waving, smiling and excited for the | | | | - Magazines and newspapers |
| presents." | | | | - Batteries |
| It appears that these soldiers have a seemingly | | | | - Playing cards |
| endless supply of good will. It becomes very apparent | | | | - Hand-held games |
| that we receive from the world what we give to the | | | | You can purchase a cheap plastic box from Wal-Mart |
| world. We learn this in physics-the third law of motion: | | | | (shoebox size) to mail these in. The soldier that |
| For every action, there's an equal and opposite | | | | receives your gift can then use the box for storage |
| reaction. It is the essence of what Buddists call the law | | | | when he/she is done enjoying your gift. The recipient |
| of karma. | | | | will be reminded of your generosity every time they |
| Your actions revolve around you as surely as the | | | | use the container. You must also use the U.S. Postal |
| earth revolves around the sun. Walter is very | | | | Service to mail your care packages for soldiers |
| conscious of this as she tries to do well and be well | | | | overseas because many of the other commercial |
| with everyone she reaches or encounters. She makes | | | | shippers don't deliver to Iraq, so check to be sure. To |
| sure to use her life for that which can be of goodwill. It | | | | SGT Mary Walter's and all of those in the armed |
| has fortified this soldier spiritually and emotionally. | | | | forces serving in Iraq we send you this Latin motto, |
| And like this soldier you too can do something of | | | | NeDesit Virtus, let valor not fail. Finish the mission and |
| goodwill. You can send a care package to a soldier | | | | come home safely. We salute you. |