Support for Local Marine in Afghanistan - Glory Hole Sports

From Patrick Rowe's mother (comments in blue are from Melanie):

Here's a short summary of what Patrick and his misfits have been up to.  They are on base at a forward operating base in the Helmand Province, the place we keep hearing about in Southern Afghanistan.  More on that later.  Here are some excerpts from his emails:

 

Christmas Eve:  "we are somewhat celebrating Christmas by watching "Bad Santa" which is hilarious.  The assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps is coming to say Hello to the Marines here on FOB XXXX, always interesting what the higher-ups have to say about what's going on in the Marine Corps these days.

January:  "Officially past the halfway point!  Time sure is flying by even with the monotony."

"What I do every day here on base is not really newsworthy. I get up, do the morning MWR (that's where the computers are) shift for 3 hours, then work out, and then check to see what Gunny needs to be done, ear, then go to by 1800-0000 watch rotation."

"I feel like what I'm doing is actually kind of boring to talk about, since I'm on base almost all the time."

What to send:  Shaving Cream!  The cheap, white, Barbasol type.  The patrols use it the most.  (sending two boxes of shaving cream in this shipment, and will continue to send- they need lots!  They use it for marking trails)

Thanks to the Microwave, we can use anything that can be microwaved, like noodles and Easy Mac.  It's hard for me to make suggestions, but anything that is like backpacking food, or microwaveable is highly desired.  Canned Tuna, and Canned Chicken. Also powdered drink mix, and Tea, Hot Chocolate, Hot Cider, Coffee are also great to have. 

(sending canned tuna and chicken, chili, and powdered drink mixes in this weeks' shipment) 

Of course tobacco is always prized! (we are trying to encourage our smoking, chewing customers to buy an extra pack/can, for us to send) 

We have a huge amount of Jerky, so we are good with that. Also we are overflowing with Candy.  (We use penny candy as packing to stuff every inch of the boxes full, since they are charged by size, no matter what they weigh, so we end up sending a lot of candy)

Warm socks, and hand warmers are nice for the cold temperatures. (hand warmers in this weeks' shipment)

Please continue to support our effort to show Patrick and his fellow Marines that we appreciate what they are doing for our country!

 

Help us support a local Marine and his platoon. We are accepting donations of items (see list, below) or cash (which we will use to make purchases and for postage). We will be sending packages weekly.

Local Marine Patrick Rowe is 25 years old.  

An Angels Camp- Bret Harte High School graduate of 2005, He Joined the Marine Corps in April of 2008. He and Kate Beckmen were Married last April. She is from Arnold and also a Bret Harte Grad.

Patrick was an Infantry Machine Gunner his first deployment to Afghanistan. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor during his last deployment. 

Support the Troops Care Package

"Wish List"

• FOOD ITEMS (High nutritional value types)
• Beef Jerky
• Protein Bars (like athletes use)
• Backpacking food, such as Dried Fruit, Clif Bars, Trail Mix
• Nuts, Sunflower seeds, in smaller size packages
• Peanut Butter, Nutella
• Non-perishable, individual packaged snacks
• Individual-sized Powdered Drink Mix, like Gatorade or Crystal Light
• Coffee, ground or instant, Tea Bags
• Tuna- the ones in foil bags are easiest to ship
• small packaged seasonings
• Gum and candy
• TOILETRIES
• Barbasol or cheap Shaving Cream, the white kind (for use on patrol)
• Q-Tips (very important for cleaning self and guns- highest priority)
• Lip Balm in a tube, such as Burt's bees, or Carmex
• Disposable Razors (Multi-blade for shaving rough beards)
• Sunscreen, non-stinging, "Faces", Sport-types
• Baby Wipes (Thickest type), hand sanitizer,
• Shower gel, deodorant, toothpaste, disposable toothbrushes
• Foot care products, spray, powder, insoles, creams
• PERSONAL CARE
• Winter Socks ( merino wool, polypropylene; Brown, Green, Black)
• Thermals (dark colors)?
• Gloves, Hand warmers (like Hot Hands)
• T-shirts (OD Green)
• Writing Materials (Paper, pens)
• Magazines (appropriate materials)
• Computer Flash drives

Small toys to give to the local children