In The Sands Of Afghanistan

As the holiday season comes and goes we are again reminded of the blessings and opportunities we all have as Americans. It’s amazing how much you learn to appreciate things like electricity, heat, and clean water when its not always readily available.

There are a wide variety of missions that work toward the overall task of providing stability and support to the people of Afghanistan. The Red Dogs have a specific mission to support the soldiers and Marines on the ground as they face the enemies threatening the freedom of Afghanistan and the world. Each Marine in the task force, whether from HQ, MANT., MWSS, MALS, RASF, or plays an equal and crucial role contributing to that overall mission.

The Red Dogs of HMLA-773 (Helicopter Marine Light Attack) have been in Afghanistan for a few months now and have seen the faces of needy children. These kids are victims of a long period of instability and their future is faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. With this in mind, we have started a project called Operation Red Dog A.C. (Afghanistan’s Children).

Our families constantly us how they can help and what can they do to make our lives easier. The outpouring of generosity has resulted in an overabundance of food, snacks, and treats for the Marines. The support for us has been overwhelming and we can’t express to you how much that support means to us.

The Red Dogs now want to give you a chance to have a lasting effect on the future of Afghan children by donating the school supplies and toys listed below. These are the ideas that we have come up with so far and we will continue to refine this list as the need arises:

Make a School Bag

Click Picture To Enlarge It

USE HEAVY DUTY

FABRIC (not lightweight). Cut 2 pieces of cloth 13" x 17" allowing 1/2" for seams on sides and bottom and 2 1/2" hem at the top. This will give the required finished size 12" x 14".

Place the two 13" x 17" pieces of cloth together, right sides together, and sew a 1/2" seam down one side across the bottom and up the other side, leaving the top open.

Turn the bag so the seam is inside the bag. Turn under 1/2" of the top edge and stitch.

Turn under 2" at the top to form a hem and stitch.

For handles cut 2 pieces 4" x 23". Place the two 13" x 17" pieces of cloth together, right sides together, and sew a 1/2" seam down one side across the bottom and up the other side, leaving the top open.

Fold in half the length of one of the 4" x 23" pieces with right sides together. Stitch with a 1/2" seam allowance and turn the seam to the inside.

Repeat with the second piece of cloth.

Place one handle at the top of the bag, turning under 1/2" raw edge of the material and secure by stitching. Repeat with the other piece of cloth making the handle on the opposite side of the bag.

Toys

Dolls; cars and trucks; balls, especially soccer balls; plush toys and stuffed animals; plastic animals and dinosaurs; tool and cooking sets; puzzles; binoculars, Magna-Doodles, basic Legos; blocks; jump ropes; Frisbees; picture books; baby toys; stacking cups; shape-sorters; chess sets

DO NOT SEND: toys that will not work without batteries; toys that require electricity; violent toys (guns, violent action figures); toys that shoot projectiles; Barbie dolls or comparables

Personal and Baby Care

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, diaper ointment, lotion, disposable razors, baby bottles, sippy cups, baby spoons

DO NOT SEND: medicines, cosmetics, food

For now we do not want financial contributions. This project was conceived by a couple of Marines with an idea and a mission. We are throwing out the idea to everyone and we’re going to see what happens. We pray that the project will take on a life on its own and continue long after the Red Dogs have left Afghanistan.