by Ron Seman
The USO of Northern Ohio is collecting donations of articles they plan to send to our troops in the Middle East, hopefully to arrive there before the Christmas holidays, according to Ken Milenovic, third vice president.
We have such easy access to shopping malls that we often forget that these conveniences are not available to our men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and at other assignments in the Middle East. And so, we can make their Christmas away from home a bit brighter with many of the everyday items we use without a second thought.
Donations can include moisture and hand lotion (travel size); shampoo and cream rinse (travel size); lip balm; sun block (small); antiperspirants, (1.7 oz); toothbrush and tooth paste (travel size); dental floss; shaving cream (travel size); disposable razors; combs and brushes (small); feminine products (individually wrapped); Gold Bond powder (1 oz.); petroleum jelly, (3.7 oz.); talcum powder (1.5 oz.); and Noxema.
Also, such necessities as bug lotion, gallon-size Zip-Lock bags (keeps out sand); dryer sheets (for bugs and smell); air fresheners (smelly tents); fly strips or swatters; and Laundromat-size laundry soap.
Other items needed include powder drink mixes (hot and cold); tea bags and coffee packets; Cup of Soup; Ramen noodles; granola bars; trail mix; power bars; dried fruit; nuts (any kind); hard or chewy candy; gum (wrapped); dry cereal (individual servings); cans of applesauce (pull top lid); Cracker Jacks; Fruit Roll-ups; peanut butter (no larger than 12 oz.); seasonings and Tabasco (no larger than 4 oz.); and beef jerky (plastic-wrapped).
Morale boosters would include disposable cameras; tobacco; letter writing material; pens; paper; envelopes (no stamps needed); small pocket notebooks; personal letters (the USO includes them in the box, so, remember your return address if you want a letter back); sunglasses; magazines (no swimsuit editions); books; hometown newspapers, such as the News-Leader, Twinsburg Bulletin, or any of the other fine Record Publishing Co. publications; pictures; playing cards; word puzzle books; and travel size games.
Also welcome are personal hygiene items including small bars of soap (hotel size); toilet paper; Purell (4.25 oz.); baby wipes (50 count); facial tissues (pocket size); and eye drops (.05 oz.).
Milenovic says he or members of the USO staff and board can pick up items if need be. And he adds, "Monetary donations are always welcome."
Questions? Give him a call at 216-524-3908.
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VA & Kaiser Launch Pilot Program: The Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente announced an exciting program on Nov. 25, designed to improve care and services to our nation's heroes.
VA and Kaiser are launching a pilot program to exchange electronic health records information using the Nationwide Health Information network created by the Department of Health and Human Services. VA and Kaiser sent a joint letter to veterans in the San Diego area who receive care from both institutions, to invite veterans to participate in this first-ever pilot program. Veterans who respond and ask to participate will enable their public and private sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately. This initial pilot program is planned to begin in mid-December.
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Remember our men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and at other hot spots around the globe. Keep them and their families in your daily prayers.
With the busy Christmas and New Year's holidays here I know the attention of our veterans and ladies auxiliaries are focused elsewhere.
However, we need to tell our readers about the activities you are sponsoring that benefit our veterans, military and community. Send your material to Ron Seman, 5811 Renwood Drive, Parma, OH 44129, or SemanRJ@aol.com.
Thanks, and God bless America.