Marines in Need...Can You Help?

I've posted several times about the Oklahoma 1st Battalion 25th Marines Weapons Company. One of the wives is an Oklahoma OpLove photographer. She has such strength to not only deal with her husband's deployment and being a single parent in his absence, but she is also photographing other military families going through the same things meanwhile!

So today, on behalf of a generous donation from Buy For Less grocery stores, I went shopping for care package items to send these guys. The items filled 4 paper sacks (so I was pleased) yet when laid it all out, it seemed so little for 17 men. Here's a pic of what I picked up today...

I am proud for my contribution, but I am asking for anyone willing and able to please donate any items or money for care packages to send these brave men. Here is a list of requested items:

boot liners/insoles
boot socks
batteries - AAA/AA/C
postage stamps in books or rolls
Zip-Lock freezer bags -assorted sizes
pre-paid phone cards
energy/protein/nutrional/power bars
cliff bars
sunflower seeds
trail mix (packaged & sealed)
coffee
tuna pouches
muscle milk
beef jerky
cans of soup
packed and sealed fruit
Dole fruit crisp
poptarts
cereal/milk & cereal/granola bars
peanuts/cashews/assorted nuts
small seasoning packs of salt & pepper
throat lozenges
drink mixes
  mio drink drops, instant coffee,
  presweetened gatorade/lemonade/koolade
Pringles (in the cardboard containers)
Dried fruit
Hormel complete meals
avon skin so soft
baby wipes-sealed packs not tubs
blistex/chapstick/carmex
Q-tips
toothpaste
eye drops
shampoo
dry shampoo
liquid body wash
hand sanitizer
deodorant
lotion
shaving cream
razors
small individual packs of kleenex tissues
aloe vera
lotrimin AF/anti-fungal creams for athletes foot
shower-to-shower powder
moleskin/Dr. Scholls pads for sore/blistered feet
band-aids / Neosporin
items to write letters home: envelopes, paper, pens, stamps; pocket-sized notebooks to write little notes while they're out on patrol

Also as of Tues, Sept 20th here is their hygiene allowance: "Today is the day that most Marines will start to take baby-wipe baths in lieu of community showers."

There is one main person cooking instant meals, over a man-made fire, for all 17-men. They have nothing to add as ingredients other than water. So, any instant mixes and meals that require nothing more than heat &/or water is also greatly appreciated (ie. pancake mixes).


If anyone has anything to donate, no matter how big or small, please let me know. I will come pick it up, if needed, to include in one of the monthly care packages. Thanks a million!  :)
- Ang

Unfortunate Cancellaton & Session Availabilities

I posted about a week-and-a-half ago about a wonderful event called "Operation: Dam Run" that was to be held on Oct 22nd in Canton, OK to support one of our Marine units. Unfortunately due to some unforeseen and extreme circumstances, they had to cancel the event.  :(   That really sucks because I was sooooo excited about attending and snapping some pics. But, I understand that things happen. These Marines, and their families, would still appreciate any thoughts and prayers that you can send their way!

So in light of the event cancellation, I now have some availability that day for sessions. I've had to turn away several clients, OpLove and otherwise, because I was completely booked until mid-November but now have a few slots open. I'm taking appointments on a first-come, first-serve basis for that weekend, so book while you can!!

Help our Marine Corps

One of my beloved clients, who is also an OpLove photographer that gives back to other military families, has a hubby that recently deployed. She is hosting a "Dam Run" to raise money to buy and send care packages, specifically food, for the 18 Marines from Oklahoma's 1st Battalion, 25th Marines Anti-Tank Training Company Broken Arrow Reserve Unit.

Details...
Name: Operation: Dam Run
Date: Saturday October 20, 2011
Time: 7:00-11:00pm  (last registration at 9:59pm on Oct 20th)
Location: Canton Lake Dam @ Sandy Cove Beach in Canton, OK
Registration/Donations: http://www.active.com/running/canton-ok/operation-dam-run-2011

Even if you cannot attend, any donation amount is greatly appreciated. 100% of all donations and proceeds go directly to this Marine Unit! My hubby and I will be attending to support them (as walkers, not runners due to medical reasons), and to snap tons of pics of the entire event. If you can attend the event, or possibly even donate a dollar or two, it is sooooo greatly appreciated! Every little thing makes a difference! This is a very special event to help a few of our proudest men in uniform. Semper Fi!!!!
- Ang