Pocono News Section

Mother Collecting Supplies for Troops

Mother Collecting Supplies for Troops - Friday, July 3, 2009 at 6:29PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Jul 3, 2009 @ 06:29pm EST

MT. POCONO, MONROE COUNTY -- People in the Poconos added some items to their grocery list here Friday in hopes of helping troops overseas. Bridget McCammon's son, Army Corporal Kyle Place, is in the third month of his seven-month tour and called home a couple weeks back.

"He's out in a combat zone in Afghanistan and asked me to send his pillow and blanket," said McCammon of Pocono Lake. "I asked him why, and he told me they don't have any."

Carl and Linda Hamilton of Pocono Summit dropped off supplies, including some for three women serving on the front line with Place. Carl is a Vietnam veteran.

"When I was in the service, my mom sent me a package of cookies," recalls Hamilton. "By the time we got them, they were dust. But I got a bunch of spoons for a couple of my ship mates, and we ate the dust. It was the greatest dust in the world."

The VFW Memorial Post 509 out of Tobyhanna helped with the collection at the Wal-Mart off Route 940 in Mt. Pocono.

"This is what the VFW is all about," said Wally Walreven, the incoming commander for Post 509. "we're supposed to be helping those that are serving. that's how we honor the dead who've given their all for the country for the freedom we have now so we can enjoy the 4th of july. "

By the middle of the day, they took out two vehicles full of pillows, blankets, toilet paper, and other supplies, including seven cases of baby wipes. Walreven says, due to rationing of water, the troops can't shower, and they take so-called "hobo baths."

Carl Hamilton hopes the troops have the same reaction he had years ago.

"We'd go running down and pick it up," he said. "Whatever was in it was sent from the people who loved us."

"Whatever it takes to help their day," added his wife, Linda. "They're doing more than that for us. It's the least we can do."

If you'd like to help out, you can contact the VFW Memorial Post 509 in Tobyhanna at 570-894-0381. It's located at 1 Goodwin Street.