Local effort amis to aid U.S. soldiers

Thursday, August 14, 2003

If you want to do your part in helping out American Soldiers in Iraq, you might consider dropping by one of two McCook pharmacies and picking up an inflatable chair cushion.

The Budke family of McCook is hosting a military shower for the platoon of Jarod Epp. Jarod is the son of Gale and Tongay (Budke) Epp of Columbus and grandson of Linnaea Budke of McCook. Epp's platoon consists of 41 soldiers.

The soldiers have been in Kuwait for four months now and are ready for more care packages, said Jarod's aunt, Char (Budke) Hamilton. The inflatable seat cushions will be used as the soldiers travel into Iraq on humanitarian missions, Hamilton explained.

"The seats in the trucks have no cushions and no shocks on the trucks. Many of the guys are getting hemorrhoids. Jarod said his tailbone is so sore that he doesn't hardly ever sit down.

"It helps us remember the sacrifice these ladies and gentlemen are giving for us and the Iraqi people and how much we take for granted our many blessings," she said.

Both the McCook Pharmacy and Farrell's Pharmacy in McCook have agreed to sell the cushions for soldiers at a discount.

Since packages cannot be sent to "any soldier" and they must have personal names, Jarod has volunteered to be the contact person and distribute them to any soldier who does not get packages from home.

When Jarrod's mother told him of the family's plans for a shower, he was very excited. He said many soldiers do not get care packages and he would tell them about the shower. The soldiers can use about anything, especially food. He said that they are very appreciative of the support that the people from the states have shown to the soldiers. It makes them feel so much better and keeps their morale up.

Donations may be taken to Budke Motors, 401 East B in McCook, Budke Power Sports, 695 Halligan Drive in North Platte or Scott's Grocery in Hayes Center. Budke Motors, Budke Power Sports, and the Budke family will take care of the shipping expenses. Jarod will see to it that a soldier who does not get any packages or letters receives a care package that is sent.

The family is asking for hard candy, dried fruit mixes, granola bars, trail mixes, crackers, crackers and cheese, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, gum, power bars, individually wrapped cookies, small cereal boxes, single serving chips or a big bagged repackaged into ziplock baggies, and little Debbie snacks. Please nothing chocolate because it melts, in 130 degrees. Sugar-Free Kool-Aid, powdered Gatorade, tea bags, and coffee bags are welcome. The soldiers request that these are individual servings or the smallest servings possible as it is easier for them to mix up, they pour into 1 liter bottles of water.

Consumable toiletry items or personal care items that are needed are: lip balm, Sunblock, Clorox wipes /hand wipes, hand Sanitizer, razors, shaving cream, foot powder, shampoo, conditioner, after shave, lotion, soap, body wash, mouth wash, deodorant, laundry detergent, eye drops, big fluffy towels, dental floss, and toothpaste.

They have plenty of toothbrushes. The soldiers request that these are in the smallest containers possible.

Other items that could be used are disposable cameras, writing utensils, tablets, envelopes and, paperback books (used ones are fine). Please put a heavy rubber band around these because the heat melts the glue. Only 3 soldiers get to read one book before it falls apart because of the heat. Magazines (used fine too), phone cards, foam balls (Nerf type, football, etc.), gel insoles, odor eaters, AA batteries, stress balls, and hand held games are also welcome.

Do not send pork or pork by-products, fruits, alcohol, chocolate, or anything else that would melt in 100 degree plus weather (like gummy worms).

If you would like to adopt a soldier, include your name and address. indicate if you would like to adopt a male or female, and a soldier who would like to be adopted will get your package and hopefully write back to you.

If you would like to donate cash for items to be purchased, mail the cash and what you would like purchased to Char Hamilton HC 62, Box 39, Hayes Center, NE 69032 or call 308-286-3388 if you have any questions.

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