Oklahomans to Send Items to Deployed Airmen in Haiti

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thousands of U.S. forces are on the ground in Haiti helping to lead the relief effort in the earthquake-stricken country. That includes about 30 airmen based out of Tinker Air Force Base who were deployed two weeks ago.

The troops are helping to set up communications in the country, but could use a little help themselves. There is now a push to send care packages to those troops.

Now, one small church group is back at work again after receiving a request from some Oklahoma airmen.

For the past two weeks, Haiti has been the home for 30 Tinker airmen. They were deployed to help establish military communications in the aftermath of the killer quake.

And the comforts of home are sorely missed for these troops to the point where they requested items back from home.

"It's very unusual unless you really approach them for them to get them to request them," Sherri Woodham with Henderson Hills said.

Woodham first heard about the request through her church.

"They were asking for snacks, paper towels, magazines, things to occupy their time, games, puzzles," Woodham said.

Woodham has already received some of the requested items and is putting together boxes.

Even little ones are involved. Her granddaughter and her friends draw pictures for the troops. Adrianna was the one who first told her mother about the project after hearing about it in Sunday school.

"They were doing stuff to send for the military so she came home and wanted us to do something for the military, to draw pictures or whatever," Adrianna's mother, Maria Aquino, said.

The request is something Maria Aquino certainly understands.

"Coming from another country, from Central America, we know that they do it for everyone, and for us it's a way of saying, 'Thank you,'" Maria said.

And Sergeant Scott Garber has no doubt Oklahomans will come through.

"Of all the places I've been assigned, that's one of the few areas that really seem to appreciate their military in that area and I want to thank them for that," Sgt. Garber said.

Woodham says she's hoping to send out 12 boxes by the end of next week. Ultimately, the goal is to ship 30 boxes -- one for each airman.

See a complete list of needed items.

If you would like to send you own box to troops, send them to:

US Forces Care Package
24 AEG
APO, AA 34063

Packages must be limited to 12x12x5½ inches and no more than 25 pounds

* For more information on the care packages contact Sherri Woodham at swoodham@cox.net.