How it all began...
August 2003
Dear Family, Friends, and Colleagues:
My son Garette grew up here in Humboldt County, is
28 years old, a career soldier, and is currently serving
a year in Iraq. He’s with the Army’s 4th
Infantry Division, stationed at Kirkuk, north of Baghdad.
I’m a very proud mom but these are days are very
stressful.
We send two boxes of necessities and
treats to Garette every week. He, in turn, shares everything
with his platoon, many of whom he tells us do not receive
anything at all from home; no letters, no packages,
no support.
Almost all the items sent to Garette
he has specifically requested; combat boot socks, laundry
soap, body soap, deodorant, toothpaste. Although you
would think those items would be readily available
to him and each and every soldier, they are not. After
about 4 months of sending packages to Garette, I decided
he couldn’t possibly be the only soldier that
needed necessities and I came up with the idea of Socks
for Soldiers.
Pro Sport Center in Eureka has agreed
to special order the combat boot socks and sell them
for this campaign at a nominal price. In addition,
they are donating 2 dozens pairs and advertising for
SFS.
Many people have mentioned
to me that they support our troops but don‘t
know what to do for them. Well, here’s something
we all can do!
This is a very special project and will,
no doubt, have a profound affect on each American soldier
that receives a SFS box. Your generous donation will
be greatly appreciated. Also, if you’re so inclined,
stop by Pro Sport Center and ask for Socks for Soldiers
and you can purchase as many pairs of combat boot socks
as you like. Pro Sport will be glad to help you and
I thank you kindly on behalf of our soldiers.
If you
personally know of someone serving overseas, please
send us the soldier’s
name and address and we will make sure that they’re
shipped a SFS box.
Call me if you have any questions;
(707) 442-9322. Thank you for your generosity and support
of this project.
Sincerely,
Paulette Gilliam, military
mom and
Socks for Soldiers Coordinator
