The dimensions of the box are only 12”x12”x6”. It is white, and sprinkled with blue and red lettering. You can pick one up for free at any U.S. Post Office, stuff it with as much as it will hold (no weight limit) and mail it to any American military person in Iraq for $10.95.
Friday afternoon, we sent one such cherished parcel crammed with non-perishable food goodies to the son-in-law of one of our friends. Let’s call him Jack to maintain his privacy. He is a New Jerseyan whose unit was reactivated for duty in Iraq. It seems so incongruous for me to be writing this in a safe corner of my home while thinking of Jack, a person I’ve never met, who is half-way across the world in a country whose leaders largely despise Americans and who want them to leave – but just not now!
It doesn’t much matter, though, what I think of all the unfit Iraqi leaders and of their cobbled-together, fractious and ineffective government. Nor does it change anything for me to rail about whether or not American troops should come home now or stay longer. My opinion of the conduct of the war has had no impact on the actions of the Bush Administration; nor will it on the new administration led by Obama.
All that Priscille and I can do is to take this one small step which will have a direct one-on-one effect on another kindred American spirit. The men and women who were sent to Iraq do not deserve to be embroiled in the ongoing Washington Beltway political struggle that resulted in the most misdirected military expedition in U.S. history.
If you are so disposed, you might also consider a few intentional prayers for our brave souls in Iraq. Thanks for checking in.
Note: For information about what you can do to help, please see www.americasupportsyou.mil
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