United We Roll at Stardust Radio

56 members of Bravo Troop 361 Cavalry have had their entire forward base – Combat Outpost Keating – destroyed, along with all of their belongings, except for the clothes they were wearing when attacked by insurgents in Afghanistan. Worse, they have lost some of their unit members and others were arilifted out for treatment of wounds. Many others continued to fight, despite their wounds and blood transfusions were made from soldier to soldier during the fight as help could not get in to the base.

Some of the items will be replaced by the military, but just as they had to prepare for deployment by packing up their own supplies, they again need certain items that are not replaced by the military. We need to step up and help them – we need to get these items into packages right away. We need to let these American Heroes of Freedom know that they are not forgotten and that we are here for them.

Following are actual accounts from people who were present at the time of the attacks along with the coordinated efforts to provide the correct items that are needed quickly and efficiently. There is also a way to make cash donations to help. Please step up and show these Heroes who have lost not just belongings, but also some of their friends and unit members that we care and we are here for them. It is a good time to get the whole family, your church and your community involved.

We have seen the news reports of the attacks on the US bases in Afghanistan, but have they told the full story? Read this post from a deployed member who played a part in saving the lives of some of the wounded and wrote of his account first hand at http://armyhousehold6.com/2009/10/06/sgt-daddys-story/
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This ABC reporter rode in with the medevac helicopter and wrote this exclusive report:
ABC Exclusive: Wounded U.S. Soldiers Refused to Leave Taliban Fight
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From http://homefrontsix.blogspot.com/2009/10/survivors-in-afghanistan-need-immediate.html :

“And yes, the Army will cover the basics but the personal items are mostly up to the individual soldiers to take care of - just as it is when they head into theatre. Add to that the fact that these guys just lost eight of their own in one moment and you can imagine how difficult this is for them. To have the support of those of us back here will be a huge morale boost for them.
So please consider sending in a few items. TankerBabe is heading up the coordination and you can email her for a mailing address. The list of what is needed is on the blog post. My kids are currently drawing pictures and writing notes to the guys as well”
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For more details on the incident and the help for the survivors of Bravo Troop 361 Cavalry from Combat Outpost Keating that is quickly being pulled together read the post at http://somesoldiersmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/troops-in-astan-need-your-help-now.html
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List Of Needed Items:
http://tankerbabelc985.vox.com/library/post/survivors-in-afghanistan-need-immediate-help---56-surviving-soldiers-lost-everything.html

Survivors in Afghanistan Need Immediate Help - 56 Soldiers Lost EVERYTHING

“my great friend and troop support partner, Bob Connolly and I have been in direct contact with the unit's CSM after learning that the base was destroyed and the men lost all of their belongs except the clothes on their backs. The Army is working to replace uniforms for the men. But they need assistance with other personal items. And they NEED TO KNOW that we are thinking about them over here, too.

Please contact me ASAP via email tankerbabelc@gmail.com. We want to work to assure every Soldier is covered with basics first so it is important that we track the donated items. If you prefer to make a monetary donation I can give you information to do so.”

UPDATE as of 7 OCT 1430 hrs
We do NOT need fleece blankets, wash clothes or towels. Still need everything else on the list below
UPDATE as of 7 OCT 09 1300 hrs
STILL NEED
Winter Wool Hiking Socks - mostly size 9-12 but a few 13+
ACU tshirts - Need 50 size large
Boxer briefs - have received none. Need 6 small, 60 medium, 42 large and 4 XLarge
Towels and wash clothes - Need 40 sets of each, darker colors preferred
Fleece throw size blankets - Need 30
Donations towards the purchase of both winter and summer PT clothes
Donations towards the replacement of name tapes, unit patches, etc. for their new uniforms.
DO NOT NEED
Athletic shoes
Gloves
White socks
Toiletries
Shower Shoes
HOW TO DONATE TO THE COP KEATING FUND

And the American Legion want those battle participants to know we care with the COP Keating Afghan Relief Fund. [Link coming soon]
Following this blog posting is information on how to donate to the Combat Outpost Keating Relief Fund. These men have lost friends, lost their outpost, and lost all their belongings. One who made it out wrote that "most people back home don't even know, no one gives a sh--". Well, many of us do. And you can prove it by giving whatever you can to try and buy these guys things like running shoes, and other essentials, as well as some comfort items like iPods and DvD players.

The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warrior has kicked in $1000 to start the fund, and your humble blogger will be the first one to donate $100. I intend to get these items out by the end of next week. ANY amount you can give, no matter how small will help us prove that we do care.

Go read the whole thing, a must read with details before, during, and after attack. You can also email Mark at the American Legion MOTHAX@LEGION.ORG for donations. Let's not let these heroes feel forgotten, we must show them we are a grateful nation.

Soldiers' Angels is sending socks for each soldier, along with a stack of morale-building notes from kids.

Thank you for stepping up and helping our troops!