While in Bosnia, one of our unit goals is to establish a relationship with people in the local community. To that end, we are sponsoring a refugee camp and an elementary school. We have made preliminary visits to both places. After speaking with the parents, teachers, and children we are establishing and list of needed supplies and projects. These people and children don’t have much in terms of material wealth. The simplest things are precious to them. Believe me donated item do not need to be new.

We are very excited about this project. The soldiers of Bravo Company are all pitching in on this effort; nevertheless, we would greatly appreciate any assistance from the folks back home. Please ask your friends, family, schools, offices, companies, and churches to get involved with our cause. The following are suggested items for donation:

Clothes – Specifically items appropriate for the approaching winter season.

Shoes – Just like our children they like sneakers. Unfortunately the types sold here are very poorly made.

Winter Boots.

School Supplies – pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens, notebook paper, chalk for boards, crayons, and coloring books.

Toys – Simpler is better. Balls (basketball, soccer, kickball), Frisbees, jump ropes, dolls, stuffed animals, chess, checkers. Deflate the balls before mailing.

We also will need some cash to accomplish some things. The school and the living quarters are in disrepair. We would like to do some general repairs and painting. The children could use new soccer nets and a basketball hoop. When we asked if they would like a swing set, the screams of approval were deafening. These items we need for these projects are not practical to send through the mail. For cash donations you can send a bank check, money order, or cashier’s check. Make donations out to Commander, B 2/224^th Aviation Humanitarian Effort.

We encourage you to enclose pictures and a letter or note with your donation. I think the people here would love to see for themselves who is providing assistance. We have interpreter support here. They will translate your letters and read them to the children.

Please send any donations to:

Commander
ATTN: Refugee Support Officer
B Co, 2-224th Avn
Camp Comanche (OJF)
APO AE 09789

Beyond personally making sure that your generous donations are put to good use, we will keep you advised of our activities via our website. We will try our best to take pictures of your particular donations being delivered. We will also encourage the children here to write a personal note back to you.

If you have any other questions, please contact us through our webmaster.
Oh yes, if you have a minute please sign our guest book.

Neal Edmonds
Captain, Aviation
Bravo Company 2/224^th Aviation Battalion
Commander