It has come to our attention through First Sergeant Ron Cabrera, a former Alhambra resident who recently served a tour of duty in Iraq, that a need exists for concerned citizens to help support our troops by sending "comfort" supplies to assist wounded soldiers. 

According to persons who have toured the area, when wounded soldiers are medivaced, they typically arrive at the Combat Surgical Hospital (CSH) with nothing, not even a uniform on their body since it is cut away so the person can be treated. While the overall operation of the CSH is top notch, they say, with our troops getting the best possible care possible -- some basic items (listed below) are in short supply.

These include:

• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
• Mouthwash
• Dental Floss
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Razors
• Shaving Cream
• Body Wash Gel
• Shower Shoes (Flip/Flops)
• Boxer Shorts/Underwear
• T-Shirts (All)
• Socks
• Medical Scrub Shirts/Pants
• Sweat Pants
• Shorts
• Sports Bras
• Snacks
• Phone Cards
• Games
• Gel Soap
• Over-the-Counter Products (such as topical analgesics, medicated foot powder, cold/flu, headache products)
• Body/Foot Powder
• Manicure/Pedicure Toos
• Tissues/Kleenex
• Stationery/Paper/Envelopes (no stamps-mail is free)
• All Occasion Holiday Cards
• Pens/Pencils
• Service Uniform Tops/Bottoms/T-Shirts/Socks/Boots

If you would like to donate some of these needed items, send them to:

LT. SHARON BURNS
ATTN: CSH
JASG-C/COS/PAO
APO AE 09316

In order to avoid the influx of holiday mail to the troops, it is advised that items be sent as soon as possible.