Lt. Col Paula Johnson (USA ret.) is on a mission.

The former procurement and contracts officer at the Pentagon wants South Dakota’s Guardsmen and women and reservists to know that South Dakotans care about them this holiday season.

And that local Democrats care as well.

Like the former supply officer she is, the secretary of the county party is coordinating the local’s Dem’s “Any Soldier” project.

She talks with passion about how difficult it is to be so far away from friends and family—whether it is at a base across the country or in the mountains of Afghanistan.

She says service members sometimes feel forgotten.  Problems with mail service can compound the problem to far flung areas.

So, to make sure our troops have comfort items, books, magazine, and the little things that we take for granted, she is coordinating this effort.

As you are out shopping for Christmas the next few days, add the following to your list:

 

For Men:

Anti-bacterial wipes, baby wipes, hand/foot warmers, nail clippers, tweezers, foot powder, toothbrushes and tooth paste, deodorant, sunscreen with high SPF, first aid kits, medicated lip balm w/SPF 15, dental travel kits, dental floss, mouthwash, combs and brushes, shaving gel, razors, hand sanitizer, cotton swabs, tissues, toilet paper, liquid shower soap, hand and foot lotions.

For Women:

Same as above plus, Tampax/compact tampons, panty liners, shower to shower body powders, ponytail holders.

Foods (all prepackaged, no homemade, no glass, non-perishable):

Nutri-grain bars, fruit snacks, beef jerky, beef sticks, Marathon protein bars (Snickers), Chunk LIte Tuna Paks, One A Day Active Multi-vitamins, enhanced power packets, energy bars, coffe, teas, creamers, juice, microwave popcorn, cookies, chocolates, candy for Iraqi children, gum, herbal teas.

Clothing and other items:

Crayons, coloring books, pens, and toys to hand out to Iraqi children; AA and AAA batteries, flashlights, sunglasses, shower shoes, T-shirts (black or army tan M-XXL), black gloves, envelopes, writing paper, stamps, white or dark green socks, long sleev t-shirts (M-XXL, black, dark green, tan), eyeglass cleaning wipes for eyeglasses and goggles, twin bed sheets and pillow cases*, towels”, DVDs, music CDs, novels, international phone cards (ATT is best), board games, trivia games, magazines and puzzle book.

You can also donate a check for $8.95 made out to USPO to pay for postage on one box of goods that will be shipped overseas (cash also accepted).

You can also enclose a letter to the troops.  Please include your return address and email address so they can respond back to you.

Take your items to the South Dakota Democratic Headquarters at 309 W. 43d St.  (A block east of Minnesota just east a couple of buildings from the Subway.)  Please have them at SDDP HQ by 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 28th.  There will be a “Packing Party” to assemble the goods for mailing to our South Dakota troops starting at 1 p.m., Friday, November 30th at SDDP HQ.

The party is also in need of heavy duty quart-sized Ziplock bags to make individual “Care Packages” for the troops.

You don’t need to be a Democrat to contribute.  Anyone is welcome to contribute goods, money for postage, or their time to help Paula and fellow Democrats support our troops.

If you have questions, contact Paula at contact(at)minnehahadems(dot)org or minnehahadems(at)midconetwork(dot)com or 605.217.5405.

It’s nice to say you support the troops.  It’s even better to support them with your time and resources.

 

(Cross-posted to the Home Edition of SD Watch and SDW @ KELOLAND.com.  Please feel free to repost on your blog.)

Above: Lt. Col Paula Johnson (USA Ret.) at one of the tables of goods donated for South Dakota’s troops by the Minnehaha County Democratic Party.  US Postal mailers are at right that the goods will go into. 

Bottom:  Some of the goods local Democrats have gathered for our troops.  Help out our troops an donate some items by Wednesday.

 

*Check with Paula before purchasing so she can make sure they are sent to a base or semi-permanent facility.

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