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Word from Kuwait
Dear Editor:
This story begins in January 2003 as SPC Steven Towery of McCook and the 855th Quartermaster Co. left the North Platte area.
In April 2003, Steve and others from the North Platte area left for Ft. McCoy, Wis. I and my husband made a promise to each other that we would send Steve a box of goodies and other things every week. The company left in April 2003, for Iraq.
After they reached Camp Adder, Iraq, we continued to do this. They did not have shaving lotion, deodorant or various other things for a few months.
In October, Steve told me of a man in his company that had not received anything from home. The Aphrodite Hair Design employees, Lois Beattie, Pat Bath and myself decided to adopt him. Kao Vue was born in a Cambodia prisoner of war camp. At the age of three, he came to the United States with his parents. Kao is the oldest of seven children. Kao told Steve that one box of goodies would be enough, but Steve told him that was not the way this works.
All of us had a great time picking out things to send to him.
Steve told me that no matter what is sent, there is a table in their tent and anything put on it is gone the next day.
The following letter is the last letter received from Kao on March 30.
Steve and Kao's company are now in Kuwait and should be home this month.
I urge you and your friends and co-workers to each bring just one item and put it in a box and find a soldier to adopt. This will bring you so much joy and will be very appreciated by any soldier.
Mary Frandsen
McCook
Well ladies this has been a heck of a year. Can't believe I made it. Now that it's coming to an end, I don't know how I should feel -- happy 'cause I'm going home or sad because I'm leaving my brothers behind.
I've had a hell of time with these guys I've come to know. Steve has been awesome. Hope it all works out for him when he comes back to you guys.
And thank you for your heartfelt openness. This is what I'll remember the most.
I believe everything happens for a reason -- the people you meet along the way, the troubles -- but the people who are with you at the end are the ones you remember always.
And I've learned a lot. Big or small, I share it anytime I have the chance. Things like what you guys have all done makes a difference and from where I have come from it means a lot -- more than you know.
My eyes have been opened and I promise not to complain about little things anymore. (Pssst! Tell Steve that. Ha! Ha!)
Maybe I can get a chance to help you out someday. You never know where life may lead. It'll be a part of my story ... and the brotherhood of America.
Thank you.