Duke Brigade Leading Charge to Charity

"You make a living by what you get.
You make a life by what you give."
Winston Churchill

By Pfc. Charles Wolfe
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – The Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, are donating some of their pay to help others and they are breaking records doing it.

3-1, dubbed the “Duke Brigade,” has pledged more than $86,000 to the Combined Federal Campaign in five weeks, surpassing their annual goal with three weeks left in the annual charity drive.

“I’m always about helping people and giving myself to others to help people,” said 1st Lt. Joy Crowder, a native of Harker Heights, Texas. “There are people out there who really need that money for whatever it may go to - healthcare or food, whatever it is.”

To stress the importance of the chance for so many to donate to a worthy cause, Crowder turns to one of her favorite historical figure

“I would have to quote one of the great leaders of our time, Winston Churchill, who said, ‘You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give,” Crowder said.

Crowder is just one of many Soldiers who donated to the CFC this year. The CFC ensures the Soldiers’ money goes only to the charity of their choice. There are 2,260 organizations in the CFC’s most recent catalog, giving participants in the drive a wide range of causes to support. According to the CFC’s official website, an organization need only be recognized as a tax-free, non-profit group by the Internal Revenue Service to apply for a spot in their roster of charities. With groups supporting everything from medical supplies for poor countries to saving music programs in public schools, the CFC is the largest annual workplace charity campaign in the world. Federal employees working in all corners of the world can find the right outlet for their philanthropy.

Deployed throughout Eastern Afghanistan, Soldiers from 3-1 are focused on a broad mission, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and the Afghan people. However, they continue to support important causes back home.

These troops have surpassed last year’s earnings and have a chance to lead all Fort Hood units for the second straight year. Soldiers from all over the brigade are making their contributions felt.

“I know Duke Brigade Soldiers are into giving because they give 100 percent every day,” said brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Orosz. “The program is successful because leaders are contacting Soldiers and telling them about the Combined Federal Campaign.”

With the CFC drive not yet over for 3-1, Orosz encourages his Soldiers to continue their generous streak.

“With a little more than two weeks remaining, I know the Duke Brigade can be number one at Fort Hood and throughout Operation Enduring Freedom,” Orosz said.

Winter Comes Early

Life and nature caught me flat footed. Winter has come to Afghanistan.

TankerBabe prepared the following suggestions, and I've added a few comments.





Blackwater Gear Balaclava Carhart
Price: $5.88 Style #A161 Face Mask
http://www.uscavalry.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=9292&TabID=548 Regular Sizes
Price $15.00


http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&productId=54272&storeId=10051&langId=-1&cm_cr=Default+Carhartt+Campaign-_-Web+Activity-_-All+Pages-_-ProductDetailPage-_-ProductDetailPage

All caps, head protectors must fit under their head gear.




THROW BLANKET (NEF50X60)
Our best seller, also known as the stadium blanket. Size 50" x 60" with matching whipstitch edges will cover from head to toe. Ideal for corporate gifts and promotions. Always perfect for fundraisers, schools, and hospitals.
In-stock colors: ivory, royal, gold, orange, red, purple, silver gray, charcoal, black, hunter, burgundy and navy.
NEW by the case pricing!!!
24 Throw Blankets per case
1 to 9 cases
$5.99 per blanket 10 to 19 cases
$5.50 per blanket 20 or more cases
$4.99 per blanket
• Broken Case Pricing: Add $2 per blanket. 12 blanket minimum.
http://www.northeastfleece.com/products.htm#04

I and several other supporters have purchased fleece blankets at WalMart for less than $4.00.
They are already rolled up.
A note to be careful, as this year they have a very fluffy one, but it catches too much dirt, etc.
The ones we purchased are perfect to roll up and carry on patrols. They are the same size as the ones on line, and have a flat seam, too.

Please, please no fringe.





Carhart
# A211
Men’s Heavyweight Wool Boot Sock
Black, Gray, Moss
$ 16.00

http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=74116&langId=-1


Last year I purchased "FoxRiver trekking Wick & Dry heavy weight socks" and "FoxRiver liners wick&Dry ultra light weight liners" at ACADEMY.
Almost every store manager gave me a %15 discount and one made a special order.
I sent hundreds, but Tankerbabe arranged for thousands of the carhart socks to be sent.
All were greatly appreciated.







Little Hotties Hand Warmers Adhesive Toe Warmers
Box of 40 Pairs $ 29.99 Box of 30 Pairs $39.99

http://www.littlehottieswarmers.com/Hand_Warmers_p/lhw1-40.htm http://www.littlehottieswarmers.com/product_p/lhw4-30.htm

Hand/foot warmers can also be purchased at WalMart, and outdoor/sporting stores. But these online are a very good price.





Hanes can be purchased at many places, be sure to send greys or dark colors.

http://www.hanes.com/Hanes/Products/Men-Hanes/Men_ShopByCategory-Hanes/Men_Underwear-Hanes/Men_Underwear_thermals-Hanes/HWM03.aspx

http://www.hanes.com/Hanes/Products/Men-Hanes/Men_ShopByCategory-Hanes/Men_Underwear-Hanes/Men_Underwear_thermals-Hanes/HWM04.aspx


Hanes Long-Sleeve Thermal
Henley underwear

Flat No Rub Seams’
Tops Style HWM03 $9.00

Pants Style HWM04 $9.00

Colors: Charcoal Heather
Grey Heather


An easy layer of warmth as the mercury begins to drop.
• Flat No Rub Seams for added comfort.
• Minimal shrinkage for a lasting fit
• Smooth elastic waistband
• Traditional fly front
• 28 ¾” inseam
• 65% Cotton, 35% Polyester


An update: Snacks and food seem to have been sent in abundant quantities. And all greatly appreciated.

BUT, there is a great need for personal hygiene products.

REMEMBER, this winter, resupply is not always going to be possible, so we need to get a back up supply for personal hygiene supplies. They are being fed, even if it is MRE's, but there is no PX, and not resupply of Personal hygiene products.

Baby wipes, baby wipes, baby wipes. (Cold showers, take on a whole new meaning during the winters in AFGHANISTAN)
Men's body wash (Suave has a great one), good razors and replacement blades galore, shaving cream, foot powder and more foot powder.

I hope these suggestions help you and your troopers.

Haole, out.