Marines NEEDED YOUR HELP. Lima 3/6

One Month after the Call for Support went out, the Marines of Lima 3/6 are being bombarded with Support (Military Mail is slow).  They have officially expressed their gratitude for YOUR Support in a Press Release: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/l36-marines-exp.html

While they are attempting to send Individual letters of gratitude, they recognize that they will likely miss some that responded in their time of need.  Thank You.  They are making good use of all Support.  That which exceeds what the can use themselves, they are handing over to their fellow Marines.

Mission Accomplished!  The Marines of 2nd Marine Division, Lima 3/6 have been re-supplied due to the efforts of MANY members of the Online Support Community.  Please read on, with that in mind.

MAJ Gilmore is a confirmed member of the USMC, and he has requested  we cease the Fire Relief Effort at this time. As you'll see, the support these Marines has received has been "overwhelming."  The Marine Press Release about the event is reposted here: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/fire-support.html

I would liketo say the sincerest "Thank you" to all that have contributed: This is a partial list:

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/thank-you-those.html

Where did the financial contributions go:

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/force-multiplie.html

But before we declare a total victory, please remember that there are still many needs for our veterans, as well as current servicemen and women, that have not been met. If anyone who wanted to contribute to the Fire Relief Effort missed the chance, rest assured you can still provide critically needed support to other military causes and organizations. If you are holding on to the generous thoughts of support as requested in a prior update, please consider donating to one of the other projects mentioned below:

The Semper Fi Fund, which supports injured Marines and their families.  Although the Major from the fire-effected Marine group below cannot make specific recommendations, I'm sure he'd appreciate other support for his fellow Marines. More info about this fund can be found on the page "Overcoming Adversity." http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/overcoming-adversity-msgt.html

Additionally the Fisher House is a very worthy cause building houses near VA hospitals to provide free housing to family members of troops who have been hospitalized due to injuries or surgery. They also house veterans who hae to drive long distances to seek medical attention. They desperately need funds to continue to build more of these homes. For more info, please go to http://www.fisherhouse.org/. (My pet project is the Middle Tennesse Fisher House Project - Murfreesboro).

Soldiers' Angels have helped tremendously in this effort and many others, so I have to issue a special "thank you" to them. This organization sends care packages and letters of support to troops in the field. Please see http://soldiersangels.org/ if you'd like to help.

The USO has been helping the Military for decades, and they do alot more than just send celebrities to entertain the troops. If you'd like to see what other types of support they provide and get involved, please go to http://www.uso.org/.

The Wounded Warriors Project fills a hole the military cannot. They support wounded troops in all branches of the military with rehailitation and other critical needs while they are hospitalized and after. You can read about the great work they are doing at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/content/blogcategory/101/988/.

This list is by no means all inclusive. For more ideas of how to help Support Our Troops, see the list in the Letter of Gratitude for all that helped in this endeavor, as well as the link on this site to Support Our Troops - Actively: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/support_our_troops_actively/index.html.

And don't forget these fine organizations:

www.anysoldier.com/WhereToSend

marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc

anymarine.com/WhereToSend

soldiersangelsforum.com/index.php

http://www.christianmilitarywives.com

http://lubbockmarineparents.blogspot.com

More to come soon!  If by chance we find out that the Marines who lost possessions in the fire have not had all needs fulfilled, I will update that information on here.  Response to those may determine whether we can transfer to the new article or that we must continue to update this one.

Specific Needs (Most recent and to be updated): (Last List Update: 30 JUN 2008) (+ 0930 01 July 2008 Thank you link added at the bottom)

Pillows

Running Shoes (Sizes 9-12) with the most common size being 10 1/2

High End Value Losses that cannot be replaced by the Military:

Ipods

Laptops

Flashdrives

Cameras

Memory Cards

Flash Drives

Diversion Activities including reading material (there is generally an abundance of romance novels gathering dust and a shortage of manly books, including those listed to the right side of this page).

If you can send an IPod preloaded with music, that is even better!

IF You are a member of a group that can accumulate cash to buy the above as a group, these items are likely to NOT have been addressed.

Needs Not addressed:

Shower Shoes (aka flip-flops)

Zip Lock Bags

Fulfilled NEEDS as per pledges:

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Soap

Shampoo

Washclothes

Combs/Brushes

Bandaids

Probably Fulfilled Needs (but not pledged):

Socks

Wetwipes

Basic Toiletries

Chapstick

Sun Block

Additionally, I have received $345.00 in donations through the button on the upper right of this page.  These aren't tax deductible.  They will all be applied to this effort as I must presume that was the cause for the donations.  I still have to figure out the methods of paypal as I hadn't addressed that previously.  These funds will be applied to the best use of this effort that is least applied that I can find.  The FSG cannot accept the cash as later explained.

I promised an updated list by 11:59Pm tonight (29Jun2008) and cannot yet deliver.  Please be patient, as the Marines that will make this list are very busy with the recovery from the Fire.

Many Organizations & Individuals have come together in this effort and I would like to thank each of you who has already sent relief to these Marines in their time of adversity.  To those of you who still want to help but who have not yet given money, sent a package, or made a pledge, I ask that you exhibit both patience and perserverance in this matter.  Yes, we want to get them the help they need NOW, but we still have to figure out what they need and what is already on the way.  We need to slow our roll enough to realize that we have probably solved the toothbrush issue but are a long way from the IPods and Laptops lost. I will update this list as often as I receive new information about the needs still remaining. Please check back on this site often for such updates.

Additionally, there is the issue of cash donations.  For regulatory reasons, the Family Support Group cannot accept cash, including the monies already donated here.  I am NOT a non-profit, so I can accept cash. Yet I need to reiterate that cash donations made here are NOT tax deductible.  I pledge to convert all cash donated (currently $295) to this effort to purchase those items not covered in pledges and received needs once we have a firm grip on what IS en route.  This is NOT a plea for donations. Yet for those of you who still wish to donate money, you can do that here, assured that it will be used to help these Marines.

Just to be clear, the $295 does not include purchases from the advertisers on this site, as that has already been pledged (100%+) to the Semper Fi Fund, as stated on the page "Overcoming Adversity." http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/overcoming-adversity-msgt.html  Anyone interested in the Semper Fi Fund can find more information on that page.  However, ALL donations made through the "Donations Appreciated" link in the top right hand corner of this page will be used for the Marines affected by the fire.

So to all of those who still want to help: Hold that generous thought. Let's make sure we are getting the right things to those that need them, but let's pause for just a moment so we can take stock of all the items already en route.  We'll have a new list of needs for you soon.

Just got off the phone with a friend who's son is in this unit.  The letter is from a member of the support group for these Marines. The letter and pictures speak for themselves. Please my friends, anything you can do would be great. Please, repost this anywhere you can. Get the word out. Let's help these Jarheads out.

Post from 3/6 Support Group:

Ok Dear Family and Friends,

Hope this finds everyone doing good. I am writing to you all on behave of Lima company. They had a fire yesterday and it burned the whole camp down they lost everything they owned. Ryan has emailed me asking me to contact everyone to get you guys to help out.

They really need ASAP: socks, pt short, green t-shirts (military) disposable razors,. Most of these Marines only have now the cloths on their backs. I reallyl need to get the basics sent now, they are working on their personal stuff which was lost. Computers, IPODS, pictures etc. Ryan was very fortunate not to lose a thing. Half of Ryan's platoon lost everything.

These are the counts so far, but clean up is still underway. A total of 50 Marines lost everything and about 30 Marines lost half of their stuff. These men need us more now then ever. If you could please help. I can't do this alone. He did say that half these guys have no family support. He couldn't give me names said to send it all to him and he will get them out. Please if you can help please do. The pt shorts and green tshirts can be bought at Camp Lejeune PX military shop so if you would to help with those, you can send me the money and I will buy them and ship them. the shorts cost 10.00 a pair and a pack of 3 t-shirts are 12.00 not cheap i know, but anything can and will help. thank you so much
for this...

Coordinating Efforts to direct to the needs of the Unit to follow.  Please pledge type of items to be sent for this purpose, either in comments or by email.

I am currently in contact with the Family Support Group and their designated POC for this effort.

Intermediate email waronterrornews@live.com for more information as it becomes available.

Send Care Packages to:

"Fire Relief Effort"

3rd Battalion, 6th Marines
2MARDIV PSC BOX 20100
Camp Lejeune, NC 28542

It was asked earlier if there was a paypal account available for donations.  To date, the answer was no.  I have just received confirmation that the "Donations Accepted" button is in fact working correctly (Thank you Jan).  Any donations made through that will be transferred to an appropriate method to help out these Marines.  Be advised, that is not a tax-deductible method as I am not a non-profit.  If it can the organization through which these monies are transferred can provide a receipt making it tax deductible, that will be provided to you but I cannot guarantee it.

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/06/marines-need-yo.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/

MarineTillDeath©2007-2008, MTD, all rights reserved.  Advance Permission granted to republish this article in its entirety.  Please get this out far and wide to all that can and will assist these Marines in their time of need as they help secure Our Nation as well as the freedoms and democracy of Iraq.

The following groups have provided support and there will be a formal article thanking all at a later time. This is a partial list:

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/thank-you-those.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/07/thank-you-those.html

Comments

[Rev Dennis P.]

Dear Gunny,
I am the State Coordinator for Point Man Ministries in PA.We are a 501(c)3 non-profit group if you'd like your donors to get the tax break along with their gift.Please call me at (717)697-6271 or my cell # is(717)802-0756 and I can set up a separate account to help you out. I can guarantee you a full accounting for your troops.I am a disabled Viet Nam Vet and I've been sending care Pkgs to the troops for a while now. I've got everything in place you just give the word and it will be "HIGH PORT, MOVE OUT".
I'll be waiting for your phone call, plus I'll be lifting you all up in prayer. May God Bless you all.
Yours in Christ,
Doc

[NORMA]

My son is LCpl Molina, Josue D. better known as "J.D.". is with the 3/6 Lima Co. Unit 73305 and thank God he and his buddies were all safe during this fire. Even though his belongings are only material I know that the loss for everyone is tramatic. I have gone to our local news Channel 5 and they have been more than supportive in getting our story out and the responses have been overwhelming. We have received socks, underwear, t-shirts, toothpaste & brushes, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, snacks, drink mixes, wipes, candy, and much much more. I thank everyone who has helped along with calls, emails, and so much support. May God bless these young men who are in harm's way and horrible heat to be strong and overcome with all our prayers and well wishes. We love each of you as our own sons and daughters. Lord is watching over them daily.

Sincerely,

Norma "Stormy" Molina
Proud Marine Mom
McAllen, Texas

[Maj. Cliff W. Gilmore]

Ladies and Gentlemen -- My name is Maj. Cliff Gilmore and I am the Public Affairs Officer for the 2D Marine Divisions. On behalf of the Division, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your eager support during this challenging time for the Marines of Lima 3/6. It is heartwarming to say the least and has become -- literally -- overwhelming.

At this time the need for personal items either has or is being met through the coordinated effort of our Chaplains, Key Volunteers and family support network. Similarly, military equipment lost in the fire is being replaced through our established logistics system in the same way as any equipment that is damaged or destroyed during operations. Although I encourage you to continue your support of our men and women in the military, at this time I must ask that you direct that support another way. It would be inappropriate for me to endorse a particularly organization, but for ideas you may wish to consider those organizations that participation in the Combined Federal Campaign.

If you have any questions about this matter, please visit us at our website (http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/Public%2FIIMEFpublic.nsf/unitSites/2dMarDiv) and send a message via the "Contact Us" link in the upper left corner of our homepage.

In service I remain:

Semper Fidelis!
Maj. Cliff W. Gilmore
2D MARDIV Public Communication Team

[Desert Devil Dogs Young Marines]

On behalf of the youth membership of our unit: thank you so very much for your fortitude in protecting us. We'd like to help in any way we can, even if it's just cards and letters. This is our CO's email, so please send us some info on how we can correspond and send goodie bags. We are passing the word all over Arizona.
Sempre Fi!
Desert Devil Dogs Young Marines, Mesa AZ

[Semper Fi Mom]

Is there anything we can do? We are an IRS approved 501(c)3 non-profit Marine family support group and we have some funds to help out if needed. We could buy things and mail them or whatever is needed. Could you possibly email me?

[Georgina Connew]

My nephew is with Lima. I am in England and wish there was something I could do to help.

[Ramona Cochran]

I just found out. So sorry Marines. I am going to print this and run it to town, I have friends that own stores and large Company's. I will talk to them about helping. My son David Noe, all he had left was a belt buckel. I'll do everything I can. Love you MOM.... To all of you, Thank you for toughing it out...

[rroscoe5]

My son is with Lima. Fortunately was not affected by the fire but some close buddies were. We are in touch with Mass. group Local Heroes and will be sending boxes. Also am in the Fire Service and am asking my local, CU and Members for assistance for these Marines. I have names of some who lost everything that we can ship to directly but is there one person over there we should ship to?

[SSGT TED KREY]

I collect donations for several nonprofit orgamizatiions keep me in check with this as I try to get some items for you guys
fellow devil dog
ssgt ted krey
semperfi
405 413-1132
kreys-r-us@cox.net

[Dave]

Big E, Thanks for the call. I want to thank you and all the rest for the very quick response. I am also very sorry if I stepped on any toes in the proccess, that was not my intention. I reacted before thinking. E, I went ahead a sent boxes direct to Wild One. The Church has been notified of the address and should hear from them Saturday. Again, thank you all, your compassion is overwhelming.

[Joanie]

Hi,

I am a mom of a marine in Lima. My son was lucky to get some of his clothing. But others are not as fortunate.

I would like to thank you all for your support! You do not know how much it is apprectiated by all of us!

Thanks again,
Joanie

[newsoklahoma@yahoo.com]

My name is Dawn Case, and oh how my heart goes out to all of you troops who are in harm's way for our sake.

I know there are lots of people finding about your situation and will be sending help.

Hang in there. Help is on the way!

You are in our prayers and thoughts. We do care about you a lot.

I know www.thehugsproject.com located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is working to help. We have members in all states who will be helping out, also.

Sincerely and I pray the Lord continue to watch over each of you.

[Jeff Snell]

We have a group of people out shopping now. Also, others notiying the local VFW's. Let us know what we can do.

[WOTN]

For all those supporting this effort, Thank You very much.

Ms Heidi, working through Kilo Company would be most appropriate.

Ms Maggie, working through your boyfriend in Weapons Platoon will work wonders.

Each of you can send your assistance (what you have laying around unused at your house will likely be helpful) to your loved ones respective addresses for delivery to Lima Company.

Soldiers Angels and AmLeg/VFW Women's Auxiliaries can always be counted on in these situations and for that I would like to express special gratitude.

MsVanessa, let me get back to you.

[Kassie]

Soldiers' Angels is on the job too, many supplies on the way...if anyone wants to make a donation to purchase some items for these Marine's, you can use our PayPal link and indicate Marine fire fund in the memo and we'll get it out for you with your name on it! Thank you all for helping these Heroes!!!

[Rev.Sherry]

Hello ,
My name is Rev. Sherry. I saw the news and have been working on contacting people to help. I hear Dell maybe sending new lap tops,cif has been contacted,and a friend of mine who is military said"loren s: just got in and talked to my unit to send the stuff to them they are calling unit to find out if they could meet us in balad for hand off we may have 9 units from here sending stuff"
So let me contact a few more people and hopefully everything will be restored.
God Bless you all.

[Marty Horn]

Thanks for this!!! AnyMarine.com has 3 contacts with this unit but we didn't know about the fire. We are on it and will direct help there ASAP.

[LETA MEARS-AKA ARMY MOM ANGELBABY]

Help is on the way Ryan.SO many groups & friends have already applied to help you & your unit...We are behind you 100%.God bless and keep you safe. Army mom angelbaby- American Legion-Womens Aux. Post 272.BLOUNTSTOWN fLORIDA..

[Ms Heidi]

Ryan...stuff is on the way and prayers of thanksgiving have gone up that you and your Battle Buddies are physically safe!

[vanessa]

I am not near the base at Camp Lejune, my son is in 3/6 Kilo how do I send a donation to Anita to buy some stuff?

[Maggie45]

How can I get money to Anita? I'm not in a position to buy stuff. Does she have a Paypal account?

mmgoff@earthlink.net

[Vero]

hey there ! my bf is with 3/6 weapons... if there is anything that i can do..please let me know cuz im not sure how to help... just email or sumthing ok? thanks so much :)