Help the Uglies Beat the Heat

After talking to Nick the last couple times, I have been trying to find out what I can send him to make his life a little easier out in Afghanistan! He doesn't complain much, as he understands he's 'at war'... but he always comments on how they just can't get any relief from the heat.

So of course, I think personal fans.... ice.... cold.....ICE PACKS!! But for some crazy reason, the military doesn't have deep freezers in their budget.... so I was thinking there HAD to be something out there that didn't require a freezer....

My mom had mentioned seeing a product on the Today Show a while back but couldn't remember what they were called. I googled and searched, and even emailed the Today Show, but came up with nothing....

My super fabulous amazing sister in law, Julie, found an organization that has a product called "HUGS" cooling ties! They are filled with cooling crystals and just need a few drops of water to activate them!!! They can be placed around the neck, head, wherever and help cool down our Marines!!!! She made a phone call to the founder and got some details on how we can send these to our Uglies. Read her blog post and all the details HERE!

The Hugs Project: http://www.thehugsproject.com/index.html

Long story short, today, The Hugs Project is mailing out 200 cooling ties to the Ugly Angels!!! But, as a non-profit organization, they depend on donations to help cover the costs of supplies and shipping. Amazingly, she said $200 (that's only $1/cooling tie) would be a good start. We've got half covered, so if you are wondering what you can do to help our Uglies out in the blistering heat of Afghanistan, which, very soon will be topping the charts at 120+ degrees F., you can donate to The Hugs Project and help keep an Ugly Angel cool!!!

If you'd like to help out, you can mail donations to:

The Hugs Project

PO Box 6761

Edmond, OK 73083-6761

You can even include your name and address for them to put on the mailing slip so the recipients know who to thank!

They also accept payments through paypal if that is more convenient for you!

Thank you for all of you who have already sent packages and items to Nick and his squadron! They thank you with all their hearts! When they receive these "Hugs"... I'm sure they will be even more grateful!

Thank you to my mom for getting the ball rolling, and to Julie for finding this fabulous organization and making the phone call!!! You both rock!

Another short article with pictures.

Original Link: (Pictures included)
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=images/images_gallery.php&action=viewimage&fid=168539

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan's aviation combat element, begin rebuilding a partially dismantled CH-53D Sea Stallion minutes after its arrival on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 16. The unit's mechanics worked around the clock to ensure their birds were transported from Iraq and were ready for combat operations in Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 Takes the Fight From Iraq to Afghanistan

The original link:
http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=32989

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – On April 15, 1962, a squadron of Marines launched from the USS Princeton to Soc Trang, Vietnam, becoming the first Marine helicopter squadron in-country. Those Marines began a proud tradition of combat deployments that day. Today the same unit continues their combat tradition in Afghanistan.

Unlike the majority of units serving in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan's aviation combat element, didn't deploy from its home station at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii – it deployed to Afghanistan from Al Asad, Iraq.

Originally deployed to Iraq, Jan. 23, to conduct assault support, logistics and movement of personnel missions, the unit was given a new mission shortly after arriving: pack up and go to Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan is where the fight is now," said Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Hagan, HMH-362's commander. "There was a planned drawdown in Iraq and an increasing need for medium lift capabilities in Afghanistan. So we begin making arrangements to move from Al Asad to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan."

Though the unit was motivated and prepared for their new mission, environmental differences between the two theaters coupled with operational requirements called for major modifications to the Ugly Angels' CH-53D Sea Stallions.

The unit's maintenance Marines began working around the clock to exchange the T64-GE-413 engines, typically found in CH-53Ds, to hotter burning T64-GE-416 engines used in CH-53E Super Stallions, according to Master Sgt. Robert Webb, the maintenance section chief.

In addition to the modifications, the Marines had to partially dismantle their aircraft for transportation to Afghanistan; each bird was sent one at a time. But despite their daunting task, the Marines pulled together, rolled up their sleeves and went to work.

"Our maintenance Marines are the best in the Marine Corps," said Maj. Gary W. Thomason, HMH-362's aircraft maintenance officer. "On their backs is how we made this happen. I think I speak for everyone involved when I say, fantastic job."

After more than two months of backbreaking work, the Ugly Angels are in Afghanistan, eager to take the fight to the enemy.

"This deployment has been a great experience," said Cpl. Jorge Toledo, a crew chief and flight line mechanic with HMH-362. "We've been able to operate in both areas of operation and it's been a good training opportunity with the demanding terrain and climate differences. Since arriving in Afghanistan, I personally was able to be a part of testing seven aircraft in twelve days. I have gained more experience on this one deployment than my whole time in the Marine Corps."

Today, the Marines and their Sea Stallions are ready to tackle whatever the insurgency and Afghanistan's terrain throw at them.

"We expect the mission set to remain relatively the same," Hagan said. "Given the more kinetic nature of this theater, I would expect to see more raid and quick reaction force support than was executed during our time in Iraq. But the Marines are excited and eager to do what Marines do. This deployment has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that my Marines can, are eager and willing to accomplish any task thrown at them."

On April 15, the 47-year anniversary of the unit's Vietnam deployment, The Ugly Angels arrived in Afghanistan. HMH-362 began combat operations, April 22.

HMH-362 Family Fun Day at Bellows

Today the squadron had a family fun day at Bellows. It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of people that came out for this! There were plenty of trees for shade, a nice breeze, inflatable water slide, face painting, horse shoes, a playground, food and drinks, and of course, the beach!

We showed up a bit late since we had to wait for Trevor to get out of school. But we were just in time for lunch, and then... it was time to chase the pigeons!

Alaina and Addison

Alaina walking Addison around in the dirty sand.

McKenzie was off at the beach, Trevor was playing at the playground, so Addison and I got some 'tattoos'! Matching ones! I wasn't sure how well Addison would take to that, but she sat still and watched the lady paint a butterfly on her upper arm. It helped that the lady had it complete in less then 15 seconds.... she was good!!!

Mom and Addi with matching tats!

So Cute!

My friend Kim got a really cool glittery lizard!!!Then we sat at the beach for a little while! Trevor and Andrew Ladner had a GREAT time playing in the sand.

And Addison loved the sand in her toes!

It was a great time, and we are ALL exhausted..tomorrow we are hitting up the water park! Ugh...does it ever end! NO WAY! There is too much fun to be had!