NORWICH – Chenangoites will have a unique opportunity to spread the Christmas spirit overseas this weekend and help the men and women still deployed in war-torn Afghanistan, who are in short supply of life’s bare necessities. Theresa Crossman of Norwich will be taking collections of non-perishable foods and hygienic supplies, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside her barn at 6332 County Road 32, where she will be operating a donations table. Whether or not individuals agree with the U.S.’s war in the Middle East, Crossman’s Christmas care packages are an appropriate chance for any American to extend compassion to their fellows suffering overseas, who themselves hold little sway over the government’s foreign policies.
Crossman and her husband recently bought a house just outside of Norwich after a long search for a good community to retire in. “I thought this would be a great way to reach out to the community,” she said.
Even though the war in Afghanistan has slipped in and out of the public’s attention, American men and women are still embroiled in America’s longest war, which has already lasted 11 years. Though the United States Armed Forces have had a presences on the ground in Afghanistan for over a decade now, there are still many troop locations deprived of the bare necessities. Many soldiers have been deployed almost nomadically, having to move frequently, and military officials have been reluctant to develop any infrastructure for the troops in temporary locations. With the protracted troop withdrawals, soldiers who are still being deployed are often finding themselves stationed in 12-man teams, scattered throughout the Afghan wilderness.
“They are living off of MREs, washing their clothes in buckets and bathing in buckets,” said Crossman. Still “they are not complaining; they knew what they were signing up for,” said Crossman whose husband, Joseph, Sgt. 1st Class with the 543rd 1st Class MP company, deployed to Afghanistan from Fort Drum in October. Joseph is part of a company attached to an Afghan unit whom they are training, advising, and conducting patrols with.
When Crossman’s husband described to her the way soldiers were living, informing her care packages were an essential, she knew she had to do something more for the rest of the troops. Sending the troops care packages is a wonderful way to show appreciation and that the troops have not been forgotten, she said. A hot meal that didn’t come out of a plastic pack and some soap will no doubt go a long way towards helping soldiers forget about their worries and strife, she said.
“Everyone who comes to make a donations, can also wrap a ribbon around one of our trees in symbolic support for our troops,” said Crossman.
For more information, call Crossman at (921) 561-7434.