Napavine Legion answers Army’s call

In February the Army 526th Engineering Company, 92nd Engineering Battalion deployed for a nine month tour to Afghanistan. Within two weeks, Legionnaire and charter member of Col. James W. Carroll American Legion Post 71 of Napavine, First Sargent Raymond McFarlane had contacted his parents/Legionnaires Roy and Karol McFarlane. He asked if the Post could help get some none issued items for a forward deployed group. The group was stationed in a remote location and surviving on bottled water and MRE’s. The Post immediately responded with a resounding YES.

Post members, family and friends and local businesses were contacted asking for donations to meet the challenge. Money started arriving from post members and friends in the immediate area. With money showing up from Nebraska, New Mexico, and Oregon, the Post was on its way to helping out.

First request was for personal care products. With assistance from Raleigh Stone, owner of Cedar Village IGA, personal products ranging from baby wipes (used in lieu of showers), tooth brushes and paste, Blistex and razors was on its way.

Next request was for some familiar snacks the young troops were accustomed to eating. Microwave popcorn and the ever popular sunflower seeds were on the way to Afghanistan. This was soon followed by packages of snack treats generously donated by Colt Benson and the associates of the Chehalis WALMART.

Next request dealt with the temperature that was going up and up in Afghanistan. Could some water flavoring be located? Up stepped Cheyanna Smith and her crew at the Chehalis Fastenal store. Packages of their SWQUELCHER were donated and on its way.

Post Commander Jim Little and Vice Commander Karol McFarlane would like to extent their deepest gratitude and thanks to those who helped out and will keep looking for help until October. Post 71’s adopted Company will be coming home in November to Fort Stewart, GA., hopefully with all members safe and healthy.

Post 71 holds post meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the Napavine City Hall, with the next meeting scheduled for September 11. All veterans are invited to attend.