Soldier’s Mother

Collecting For Troops In Haiti

By Nancy K. Crevier

Visitors to the Newtown Fire Marshal’s office at the new town hall building on Primrose Street may notice a collection box set up there. Nancy Schreiner, administrative assistant to the fire marshal, has set up the box to collect donations for troops stationed in Haiti.

“This is very close to my heart since our oldest son, Geoff, is in the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division,” said Ms Schreiner in a recent email. Geoff, a 2004 graduate of Newtown High School and who has been serving with the US Army Airborne since November 2007, was deployed to Haiti at the onset of the rescue and recovery efforts.

“This is the first time we’ve been allowed to know where he has been deployed,” said his stepmother, who added that Geoff has served on several other rescue missions. Families have been told that the troops expect to be stationed in Haiti for six months. “Our son’s unit touched down in Haiti on January 15, so they should have mail service set up by February 14,” said Ms Schreiner. In accordance with DOD 4525,6M, soldiers will not receive any mail until they are at least 30 days in country. FORSCOM and SOUTHCOM are establishing a postal platoon augmentation to accommodate postal support for soldiers.

On Sunday, January 31, Geoff called his brother on Long Island, for a brief, 90-second call on a borrowed cellphone.

“He said they are working hard, and that seeing all the things there is difficult, but that’s what they are trained for. He is doing well, and enthusiastic about helping,” was the message relayed to Ms Schreiner.

Troops would welcome the following donations, said Ms Schreiner: hand sanitizer, baby wipes, acne medication wipes (which cut through grime/grease better than baby wipes), razors, shaving cream, toilet paper to go, waterless shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, snacks that will not melt, flavored drink packets, travel-size games, batteries for electronic items, reading material, hard candy, canned fruit, Spaghetti-Os, dental picks, and chewing gum.

“Try to get canned items that have a pull tab on top,” suggested Ms Schreiner, and remember to include disposable forks and spoons, as well. Cigarettes, tobacco, paper, envelopes, stamps, and pens are appreciated, as well.

The donated items will be sent out as soon as the address is set up in Haiti.

“If anyone is on Facebook and wants to become a fan of the 82nd Airborne,” said Ms Schreiner, “you can search 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division for information, videos, and newscasts from the 82nd’s home in Fayetteville, N.C.”

“John and I actually saw Geoff in a Facebook video,” said Ms Schreiner. “It was very emotional seeing him and knowing he is really safe.”