Saturday, August 06, 2005

Operation Flintstone

Virtually ever village we visit has the need for basic medicines and, more importantly, nutritional supplements. I've received many offers to help from many friends and family and have been trying to work out a way for people back home to make a real difference in people's lives.Little GirlSo, I talked it over with the "Doc" here at the PRT and have compiled a list of needs that either the Coalition or the Afghan government is not providing or is not providing in adequate supply. Many of the items might seem commonplace and simple from our perspective but based on our assessments and that of our medical personnel, these are the high-impact items that can be purchased over-the-counter and will improve the quality of life of the Afghan people that I share a home with. I've denoted the more important items with an asterisk ("*").

Multi-Vitamins*
-Children's Chewable or Liquid
-Pills
Liquid Tylenol/Motrin*
Diaper Rash Ointment
Alcohol, Hydrogen Peroxide, Iodine
Antacids
Cotton Balls
Antibiotic and Analgesic Creams
Tylenol
Anti-Bacterial soap
Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Flouride Rinse* (sample sizes prefered)
Insect Repelent* (prevents malaria, a big killer here)
Bandaids
Cotton Swabs/Cotton Balls*
Pool Testing Kits* (to test chlorine levels in water)

Generics are obviously fine. One request is that like items be packaged together for easy identification and sort. In other words, it would be optimal to pick on thing on the list to send and then clearly mark the box as to its contents. Address boxes to:

MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Log. Cell South
PRT (Jalalabad) or (J-Bad)
APO AE, 09354

Thank you all for your interest in helping me help the people of Afghanistan and thank you in advance for your help.

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

The Afghan Slamdance

Click for Video
(Approx. 3MB)

I had to get a video of the phenomenon. The kids are always so shy when you first show up. Some even run and hide when you wave. But pull out a bag of candy or markers...I LOVE IT! They really open up after that. We always leave with a trail of kids running and waving at us as we drive away.

Its what I call the Afghan Slamdance! I've already decided I have to get another video from the "inside the mob" perspective. Enjoy.