Special Hugs Project

[diane {Shawns mom}]

 

hug (h g)

v. hugged, hug·ging, hugs

 

v.tr.

1. To clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace.

2. To hold fast to; CHERISH.

3. To stay close to.

v.intr.

To embrace or cling together closely.

The MAS (Molly's Adopt A Sailor) started to see wounded troops and their information coming our way through the website & the idea of the Special Hugs Project was born.  If there are troops who are wounded or injured, they are in need of encouragement & support, too! 

Every project has a story and here is how we came to form & support Special Hugs:

An Army Chaplain at a Combat Hospital in Afghanistan asked us if we could send some cards and snacks to the wounded in January 2011.  Of course we wanted to support them!  Working with the Chaplain, we developed a plan to send something to remind them of home every month.  We’ve done pancake breakfasts, sent cups of soup and instant oatmeal, provided movie nights, sent pillows, provided the fixings for S’mores, even sent a live Christmas tree, and much, much more over the months that followed.

Then our contacts disappeared ...  We had to find new ones!  And, quickly!  Quickly evaporated ...

BUT, then 2 Massachusetts Navy Moms found a surgeon/emergency medicine physician who had recently returned from A’stan.  They met him for lunch and to chat about Special Hugs.  He was impressed with & proud of what we’re doing.  So, on a leap of faith, he was asked to be our “medical advisor” which he immediately & proudly accepted!  It has taken 7-1/2 long months of very hard work to get a new POC in place.

Special Hugs is very fortunate to have Dr. Jim to help and advise us.  He was the vital link in finding our new POC, LCMR Ron!

Each month (will try) Special Hugs will announce a new “Mission”.  Special Hugs “Missions” will consist of shipping only the items requested, & the monthly mission will change.

Our “We Stitch Love Project” will continue to provide and keep track of the number of pillowcases (the kind stitched with LOVE) for each mission, as needed.  It’s our gift to them. ♥  Patients take them with them once they leave the hospital. So, if you are stitching or decorating pillowcases, please contact [e-mail]. Someone will be in touch.

 

 

SPECIAL HUGS

 Carol received this message below....

Please if you can  help out this month-not to interfere with the monthly adoption & shipping-please do!...

They NEED OUR SUPPORT!!! That is all they ask..So let's do it...JUST DO IT

 

"if we could just help with 1 or 2"..WOW, they do NOT know WHO WE ARE....come MOMs.....get into formation and MOVE it..♥  

 

Molly’s Adopt A Sailor

Special Hugs

September Mission

 

 

September has arrived in the sandbox and with it somewhat cooler weather.

 

Our POC has informed me that they are in desperate need of some pillows.  Whatever we can send will be put to immediate use!!  They will also need twin size blankets (extra long twin, if you can find them).

 

Last month we sent pillowcases for female patients; however, their supply of pillowcases to be given to patients when they leave is depleted, except for females.

 

Since we are sending new pillows and blankets, let’s mix it up a bit by making it a special movie night as well.  They could really use a few newly released movies!!

 

So our mission – should you choose to accept it – is going to be a cozy one!

 

Just picture the scene, patients tucked into their beds with nice new pillows, warm, cozy blankets watching a movie and eating some movie type snacks (popcorn, candy, and jello or pudding cups for those on a soft diet).  Doesn’t it warm your heart?

 

Shipping will take place between October 7 – 10

 

 

. Shipping can be done any day this month but not to interfere with our regular shipping

The addresses for the hospitals are being posted in “We Ship Love” and will be updated as we obtain information from our POCs. 

*link for Special Hugs Labels

*  SHLABELS%5B1%5D.docx 

 

**Peanut butter and jelly (packed separately due to possible allergies)  

[Kimmy P]

Ladies, this is for you!!!!! 352nd Combat Support Hospital from FOB Salerno sent this to Special Hugs to thank us! What a wonderful way to say thank you!! Ladies, you do such an AMAZING job supporting our wounded military! Thank you!!! Keep up the FANTASTIC work!! We couldn't do it without you!  I love you all!!

 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

BZ Kimmy and others who support the hospital! What a nice award to get!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I have some flip flops that I found on clearance last year. Usually Old Navy comes out with a 2/$5 in May. I'll try to find out when.

[Molly Molly Fo Folly]

I have some flip flops and can bring them to the retirement center packing party on the 19th and let the WWII vets pack them up for the wounded !! 

[Kimmy P]

Sounds good, Molly! Just let me know how many pairs you pack. :-)

 

 

 

[Kimmy P]

Thanks, Kim!! Just keep me updated on how many pairs you send. :-)

[Matt's Mom/Cathy]

I have flip flops that I picked up at the end of last season.  I will get a count and let you know what I will be sending.

[Kimmy P]

Thanks, Cathy!!! :-)

[Kimmy P]

Hi everyone!

Diane shared this information with me, wondering if I had seen it before. I hadn't!!! We thought you ladies might find it as interesting as we did!!

 

 
Camp Dwyer Afghanistan
Location: 31, 64 Phone: N/A DSN: N/A

January 28, 2012

Positioned in the Helmand River Valley of the Garmsir district of Afghanistan, Camp Dwyer was erected by the United States as an outcome of the established relationship between these two countries. It is a military base with a United States Marine Corps airfield that was initially opened as a forward operating post. In spite of this, Camp Dwyer quickly proved to be so beneficial to military operations in the county that it was soon designated a permanent installation.
The U.S. uses the camp to aid Afghanistan in warfare and it is completely equipped to serve as an adequately functioning post for the marines. Its location of Helmand River Valley is often referred to as “Hell man” by the American troops because of its unforgiving weather conditions with temperatures frequently reaching 120 degrees and above. During certain times of the year there are continuous unrelenting sand storms. Camp Dwyer is in a desolate region without any inhabitants nearby, most likely because of these cruel weather conditions.

The Purpose of Camp Dwyer

The base is used to secure the rivers and seas by preventing any war threats coming by way of the waters. It provides air, ground, logistical and contact provisions to other U.S. Military Divisions, along with aiding the Afghanistan Border Police. Camp Dwyer also serves to help stop child trafficking and illegal drug transports in Afghanistan. Troops are often sent to the battle fields to fight, and they bring back the bodies of their deceased soldiers and bury them near the base. Many American soldiers have lost their lives in in this area and are memorialized with their names etched on metal nametags hung on a tree by the entrance to the base. There have been more than 400 casualties at Camp Dwyer.

Camp Dwyer Has Been a Home to Many Soldiers

While there are no permanent structures and everything at the camp is housed in a tent, including the hospitals and showers, it has been a home to many U.S. Marine Troops that have served in the Afghanistan wars. Air-conditioning units have been installed in many of the tents and troops carry extra water when hiking to the field to prevent dehydration. Camp Dwyer does not receive mobile phone service; on the other hand, the post does have internet connection service and communal laundry, gym and shower Accommodations.
The camp has grown larger each year from the time of its establishment, but there have not been any upgrading comforting amenities of any kind added. The post does have a small under-stocked PX, plus a chapel and library. Perhaps one the best amenity of all would be the post office that allows the troops to receive packages and letters from family and friends back in the United States.

Camp Dwyer 31st Combat Support Hospital

While the base has very few amenities, it does offer a very unusual and exceptional utility for injured Marines and Afghans in the vicinity. The 31st Combat Support Hospital is three levels and located on the Camp Dwyer base. It allows for the medical staff to treat, stabilize and operate on injured troops before they are transported. With the use of medevac and the onsite hospital, injured Marines are able to receive emergency treatment that would otherwise not be possible.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Thanks for sharing that! It just makes me want to do more for them! Bless their hearts!! 120 degrees?!?!?!

[MomByHeart]

Wow!  Thank you so much for sharing this information.  It gives me better insight into what our troops and doing and the conditions in which they do it.  True heros all of them, as well as those back home who love and miss them.

[Matt's Mom/Cathy]

I have 14 pairs of flip flops to send and I will look through my stash and see what else I have that may be on their list.