American Pow family

[twinmomplus2]

I am not sure if this will seem strange to you, But, here goes I watched the interview with John Stossel, last evening with the parents of POW. Shawna Johnson. I admire these people tremendously. And would like to do somthing for them to let them Know people are pulling for them> Shawna has a 2 year old daughter who simply is being told Mommy is at work. I have sent this little one in care of the Fort Bliss chaplains office, An American girl African american bitty baby. I have contacted american girl to help with the cause, however they do not do this type of thing. So I am turning to this board. I am looking for people who are willing to send this little one part of the Bitty baby series. For example an outfit, a toy crib. There are many things in this series. You can order from American girl.com .And send to The Family of Shawna Johnson. Care Of The Chaplains Office, Fort Bliss, Fort Bliss, Texas, 79916. I appreciate your consideration in doing somthing Small for this little one at such a hard time for her family. I am doing this without giving my name. I am simply signing with .......From one mother to another and my home state.

 

[welovedis]

twinmom-what a great idea! I'd love to participate but can I send something other than AG line? I know other stores carry things that are the same size so if anyone can give me any other info that would great!

 

[twinmomplus2]

Thanks for your reply, Yes I am sure you could send somthing else. I am however thinking, Alot of different packages could be a detriment getting past the front gate. I do not think things should be sent from Your personnel self. ie,, your local post office. With the higher security I am afraid that will be a problem, It may not get past the front gate. I would hate to think I caused a tizzy for the security guards at the base. Thanks so much for your response.

 

[welovedis]

Well-yours was a good idea anyway. I don't think it would really matter where it was coming from as I have *heard* that everything gets scanned on the bases. Not sure exactly what they do but they are cautious with every piece of mail whether it is a package or a letter.

HTH!

 

[Teri Zolman]

Hi,
What a great idea. I would love to help. By the way I live on a Military post and our mail comes like anyone else's. You just mail it and it goes to the US Post office on post. I do not see any problem with sending several packages. It might be nice to figure out if there are any other kids of the other POW's on that post.

Teri

 

[twinmomplus2]

Thanks Teri, I do not believe this family lives on Base. and that was the reason for the in care of address.... for the Privacy of the family, Thanks again

 

[Teri Zolman]

twinmomplus2,
I agree that it should be sent in care of chaplian. I was just saying that if someone wanted to send something other than American Girl. Thank you for what you are doing.

 

[hcarr]

Now that I've wiped away my tears, I can say that there is one Bitty Baby "stars and stripes" outfit headed her way! I was looking at it just today for my dd who LOVES Bitty Baby. I couldn't find a more appropriate outfit.
I didn't see the Stoessel interview but I did see her parents on MSNBC today. I too did not sign my name (however, I do believe the packing slip will have your name and address on it).

Here's hoping this has a happy ending.

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Now I am ready to pack up my entire house full of toys to send to this young lady! Twinmom, what a great idea. Definitely count on something from New Orleans!

 

[noodles]

For Christmas my Grandma made a double order of bitty baby stuff for my daughter(she does this alot!). She was just saying yesterday she needed to return it. I suggested donating it to charity and she agreed. I will call her tomorrow and give her the address to mail it off! There was the stroller and bittys crib! Twinmomplus2 thanks for the address and great idea! The items will be sent with our prayers and thanks.

 

[twinmomplus2]

Thank you so much, How wonderfully generous of you and your Grandmother.

 

[Jordan's MOM]

I have not heard the story. Have had a sick DS all week and the TV has stayed on the kid channels. Whats the story. Sounds like a tear jerker!


Jordan's mom

 

[InstImpres]

Count NJ in!! What a kind thought.

 

[twinmomplus2]

Thanks New Jersey, It makes my day when someone is kind enough to give.

 

[Nathan's Grandma]

Thank you for sharing this with us. I just told my aunt from Cleveland today I feel so helpless. Now I feel a little better.

Just sent the child's matching outfit for the Stars and Stripes! I sent a gift receipt in case the size is not correct.


Kathy

 

[twinmomplus2]

Thank you Ohio, It is much appreciated. It is good to feel like you are doing somthing. I totally agree with you.

 

[Tribe0701]

Although I think this is a great idea, and I know that everyones intentions are good, I am not sure this is the best thing for the little girl. I am a mother of one daughter and my husband is in the Air Force so I speak from experience. I know that when my husband is away I try to keep my daughters life as normal as possible. I don't think that she can undersatnd why he is away so I just tell her the same thing that these people are telling their grandaughter, that he is "at work." If this little girl, who is only 2, suddenly gets gifts from all over the country it will disrupt her "normal" and possibly cause more harm than good. I am sorry to put such a damper on the situation. I know that everyone just wants the best for this little girl who doesn't have her mom right now, but I don't think that she needs the entire country in her life. Maybe a donation for her education would be a better idea, and by the time she needs the money for college she will be old enough to understand why people sent it.

Thanks,
Molly

 

[twinmomplus2]

Thank you for your insight, I have written to the base chaplain, and the things we have sent are going through him or her as the case may be. They are not in any way invading the private lives of this family. If the grandparents choose to save these things for her for later, or give the items from themselves, It is totally up to them. We are all not signing our names. and are sending to lighten the grandparents day. As such I do not feel as if it is an invasion of personnel privacy. As for your suggestion to donate for her education, that is also a good one. However this is a small effort to lift the familys spirts not support future endevours, That I am afraid would be an invasion of privacy. If it will make you feel better I will get in touch with the chaplains office and see what the inital response has been from the family, in question. Do not forget this child is 2, when The grandparents give her these things that the chaplain has given to them. This little one will only know that Grandma gave it to her. Even if she is told otherwise the association is going to be grandma. And that is all that is necessary for her to internalize.

 

[Tribe0701]

I am not sure you understood my intention

As I said, I think that it is a good idea, I just wanted to share my opinion on the subject. Just keep in mind that anthough this family is on national TV sharing their story, they didn't ask to be front page news. I support your efforts to make a difference in this terrible time.

Thanks,

Molly

 

[inaminute]

And the children of the male POW's? I thought they were all from the same base?

It sounds like this little girl is already well provided for.

I'm wondering about any other older children who have POW fathers?