Calling all Angels, a request from theater

Via an email to Patti

Hello, I am responding to your print out we got handed out to us here at our base camp in Iraq. We have some soldiers in need of a few things. We are a construction battalion (Seabees Battalion 25) and we could use some real good tape measures. We are building a trauma hospital for the marine core trauma unit.

Also could use a laptop computer. The one we have was dug out of the trash its real crapy. We also would enjoy beef jerky snacks, dried fruits etc. Dvd movies, cd's ipods for music and magazines.

My address is BU2 Reed Kathy NMCB25 DET 1 FPO AP 96601-5114 .

Thanks BU2 Reed, Kathy

The Seabees Battalion 25 is part of the U.S. Naval Construction Force. They are Naval Mobile Unit based out of Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. More on them here. They are vital to our efforts in Iraq. This trauma unit will help save lives.

I'm sure their request is for better tape measurers than the Navy supplies, and I'm sure that even a few would get them to a great start.

I know the value of having the right tools for the job. A good tape measure is at the top of that list.
I'm familiar with tape measures because one, I worked at a hardware store for several years and two (even though a woman) have dabbled in carpentry and construction. Here's some helpful hints:

A Tape measurer with a wide non-buckling steel tape, at least a 11 ft standout, very important. Should be at least 25 ft. Inches and metric could very useful. Also should have a locking method where the tape is loose until you lock it, or preferring a tape that is locked by default and has to be pressed to retract. It needs to be a bright color to spot because it's always the first thing you cannot find (where's that #&@$% tape measure), and it must be sturdy because tape measures get dropped and tossed and take more hits next to a hammer. Most importantly the housing should not be metal. Those buggers get very hot in 130 degrees heat. Which would render them unusable. You can find these types of tape measures for about $15.00 each.

There are some real fancy tape measures out there with levels, lasers, digital and even voice recording capabilities but they're expensive, I would keep those kind to a minimum and stick with durablity and accuracy.

A couple of the 100ft open reels would also be helpful in the construction of a hospital. Open reels would be better for a sandy environment than closed reels. Sand gets in the housing and makes retraction difficult. They also run about $15.00 each.

So if anyone wants to send them a tape measure please keep these recommendations in mind. Also don't be afraid to ask your local hardware store for a donation. I used to ask them for donations when I was a Cub Scout leader, they were happy to oblige. And don't be a afraid to ask for 10 or more. You'll find they're willing to donate for a good cause. It's a Tax write off for them.

As far as DVD's check out the different video rental places and see if they have used movies for 5 bucks each, preferably recent releases. If the franchise is big enough they may also be willing to donate.

Best place to get the Beef Jerky is here

And if you just want to donate money then go to Soldiers Angels and they'll make sure they're request is granted.

The help in building a trauma hospital is probably one the best things to donate for. This will help save lives and help our troops in doing so all the more faster.