The 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army, stationed south of Baghdad, wish to thank the many individual citizens, civic organizations and churches that have supported the squadron’s “Friendship Team” with gifts of clothing and school supplies for Iraqi children. Much still needs to be done.

Most needed are shoes and school supplies. Children’s shoes can be purchased on sale at Wal-Mart and discount outlets for as little as three dollars a pair. Athletic-type shoes and sneakers, size 7 and smaller, are probably best, but soccer shoes would also be welcome.

Needed school supplies include: wood graphite and coloring pencils with small plastic sharpeners and erasers; ball-point pens; and binders with both lined and plain paper for coloring. Staples and Office Depot offers these items in bulk at excellent prices.

Additional items requested include: socks, sweatshirts (without messages or symbols), and soccer balls.

The Post Office has free boxes that can be mailed for a flat fee. Mail sturdy boxes secured with tape to the following address:

Friendship Team
HHT, 3rd Sqdn, 3rd ACR
APO AE 09361

Include a return address on the outside of the package. If you wish to receive an acknowledgment, place a self-addressed and stamped (23 cents) postcard in the package.

If the postcard contains an e-mail address, an attempt will be made to send photographs of Iraqi children back to you by e-mail.

The Post Office requires a customs form (available at the Post Office) with a summary (not inventory) of items.

The cost of mailing non-flat fee boxes to a military Post Office in Iraq is about one dollar per pound.

Packages can be sent to the above address at any time before the end of 2005, but not after that time, as the regiment is due to return to its home station at Fort Carson, Colo., soon after the first of the year.

The officers and soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, as well as the Iraqi children you will be helping, will never forget your thoughtfulness and generosity.

William Fielder
Peachtree City, Ga.