Operation Hometown Fallujah

Helping Children in Need

My name is John Tandy, I am in the Navy Reserve serving as a Seabee in Fallujah Iraq. I was raised to believe that every citizen has a duty to serve their country and community to best of their abilities and talents, that is why I serve my nation as a Seabee and my hometown as a community leader and volunteer. I believe that while stationed in Fallujah we should do our part to improve the community in which we live and in essence adopt Fallujah as our hometown.

The people of Fallujah have taken a stand against the insurgents and are working hard to rebuild a life free from the violence and hardships that they have endured. I see the homes being repaired, neighborhood markets reopening and the schools filled with children anxious to get about the business of just being kids. The prospects for the future are looking brighter with each passing day. Although much progress has been made there are still many needs.

Having worked in Fallujah and gotten to know some of the citizens I have come to the conclusion that those in the most immediate need are the small children, and in particular the orphans, who are here in abundance. These children have been denied many things, adequate housing, proper diet and basic health care, but perhaps most disturbing is that they have been denied a childhood. I have seen the children playing amongst the rubble, the scattered debris fields their playgrounds and trash their toys. Obviously we can’t solve all of this societies ills but we can make a difference, however small, in the lives of the children in our adopted hometown.

I have heard from school teachers and daycare providers that the most pressing needs and wants of these little ones are warm clothing and toys. I have researched the methods for collection, storage and distribution of the requested items and developed reliable points of contact in the community to deliver these items directly in to the little hands of those in need.

The Seabees have a long standing tradition of humanitarian aid, I believe that this type of effort falls in line with the parameters of our mission and hold true to the “Can do” spirit of the Seabees. With compassion for others, we build, we fight, for peace with freedom. I believe that this type of effort will not only benefit the little children but also our servicemen. Winning hearts and minds can be a two-way street; the sense of benevolence can be just as rewarding to the Seabee as the sense of joy to the child receiving the toy.

I am inviting you to share in the joy of doing something for these little ones in need. I am asking that you take the time to send clothing and toys so that I can deliver them for you. In exchange you may receive a smile, a thank you in broken English and maybe a tear of joy from a child you will never know, I think it’s a pretty good trade. I will thank you now for you consideration and ask that you copy this message to the widest possible distribution.

Sincerely,

Chief Petty Officer John Tandy, USN

Items requested:

Warm clothing for children, infant to about age 10

Jackets, sweaters, mittens, gloves and warm caps. Socks, underwear and plain t-shirts. Shirts, trousers sweat tops.

Toys:

Small plush toys (stuffed animals). Small soccer balls, footballs and basketballs. Small plastic cars and trucks. Small plush or plastic dolls (especially baby dolls)

Please ship to:

Operation Hometown Fallujah
C/O John Tandy
NMCB-15 Fox Company
FPO-AA 34099-0701