How about a civilian surge? [updated]

No, I'm not talking about non-military deployments to Afghanistan (though that's important, too).

How about prepping for a non-deploying, civilian surge of support for the military men and women who will be serving in Afghanistan over the next two years?

At a minimum, we know that there will be more requests for Angels. Even before the Afghanistan surge has started, we have a backlog of requests for Angels. As of 7:11pm EDT on December 2, 2009, that backlog is 1713.

We also will continue to have wounded who deserve some extra TLC from people like you.

So.

Option 1: Plan to adopt.

Option 2: No registration or membership required, plan to send Angel supplies to our Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. All the details and instructions are HERE. I just sent some sweatpants, zippered hoodie sweatshirts, and boxer briefs last week. If you don't have a lot of free time, but have a few extra dollars, send thru Walmart and save yourself a trip to the store and the Post Office. To give you an idea of items that are gratefully received by our ill and wounded at Landstuhl, here's the list at that link above:

- Sweatpants and Zippered Hoodie Sweatjackets (M, L, XL - grey, black, dark blue)
- Lounge/sleep pants/pj bottoms (M, L, XL - any color or pattern)
- Undershirts and plain T-shirts (M, L, XL - crew neck, any color)
- Shorts, baggy basketball-type (M, L, XL - any color)
- Men's Boxerbriefs (M, L, XL) 2nd choice boxers. Please do not send "tightie whities".
- Socks (white ankle or crew length preferred. Other colors ok)
- FlipFlops to wear while showering (men's large sizes)

- Toothbrushes (individually wrapped)
- Toothpaste (any size)
- Bar Soap, Shower Gel & Shampoo (any size)
- Dental floss
- Gold Bond or similar Foot Powder and Body Powder
- Body lotion (any size)
- Lip balm
- Nail Clippers (large & small)
- Disposable razors (at least double-blade, individually wrapped)
- Shaving cream (aerosol cans, travel size preferred)

- Calling cards (click for details)
- Blankets of Hope (click for details)
- Travel pillows
- Ipods & iTunes gift cards (click for details)

Option 3: Purchase "First Response Backpacks", which are supplied to medics in theater for cases like THIS. Purchase HERE (check out the "customer reviews" at the bottom of the page, too).

So, ready to sign up?