Update from Mom Simmons

Happy Sunday all,

I heard from Wendell the other day and I thought I would share the latest information. Wendell and his Company have been moved to a new location. To quote him "It is a place
God has forgotten about." I reassured him that now that he and the Marines were there God would remember. Wendell was at Camp Dwyer for the first 2 months of his
time in Afghanistan. Things were pretty good there as they had nice tents, showers and a couple mess halls where meals were provided for them and internet access. He was then
moved to Camp Leatherneck where things were also good. His group "Alpha Company" was given a new mission on the 20th of January. They were flown to a small village named
Zhrande Kalay in the southern part of the Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. The village was occupied by the Taliban last week and the Marines are now in control of it. 4 young
Marines were killed there last Saturday by a suicide bomber. They were not from Wendell's company but none the less we lost 4 very precious young lives. Wendell assures me (which he feels
is necessary) that his guys are safe. They are now in the thick of things and life is extremely interesting, to say the least. The roosters wake them at 5am daily! They are back to eating MREs
for all their meals. There is no camp/base for them so they are among the natives. It only takes the Marine support a couple weeks for a camp to materialize, which is in the works. They did get to ship all the
boxes of food that you all have been shipping. Aliso Viejo High and another high school in Riverside sent over 40 boxes of soups, coffee, cocoa, etc which they are using to suppliment the MREs. They have a few pots and pans and cook stoves. They have hot water and are able to have a few comforts. Wendell has a new address but of course no email address for a while. They set up a satelite phone the other day
which enabled his men to call home and I was fortunate to get a call from him also. He sounds good and his spirits are high. He says thanks to those who have sent letters, emails and boxes of goodies. And please don't stop. If you write him a letter and want a response please be sure to include a self addressed (no stamps required) envelope and a sheet of paper to write on. (I sound like a TV commercial!!) Mail has not reached them there yet but they have only been there a week or so. If you plan to send a box of goodies remember the USPS has special flat rate boxes available to ship to the military and their cost is lower. For the first time shippers you have to fill out a Customs form also. It is no big deal.
Wendell asked if you do send items for him or his men they need food items such as Top Ramen (not in the cups) and food with shelf life. Spam, tuna pouches, chicken pouch. If it can be opened and eaten they can use it. They have water. I went to the store yesterday and it was fun looking for all kinds of things to send. Mixed nuts, Jolly Ranchers, beef jerkey, pancake mix (just add water). This will be shared with as many men as he can share with. He uses Fusion razor blades. I think baby/body wipes will come in handy now that there are not base showers. We have kept him supplied with body wash, tooth paste, etc so I think he is good in that area. Re packaging items in Ziplock bags is a must. They reuse the bags. If something liquid is sent secure the lid with duct tape and place in a Ziplock bag also.
Families of the Marines have set their alarms for noon each day to stop and say a prayer for the men. We would love for all of you to join us. We don't have to agree with why the guys are there but we do have to love and support them and thank them for putting their lives at risk on a daily basis which enables us to enjoy the freedom we have.
I send a box to Wendell weekly so if you ever want to drop something by I am here. Please send him letters. That is what keeps him going. Knowing that we care and have not forgotten about them. I know we get busy with life but please take a minute to let him know what is happening in the world and your life.
Again thank you all for your love and support. It means the world to Wendell. He loves you all and appreciates everything you have done to make this experience tolerable. The men in his platoon also thank you for all you have done for them.

Thanks,
A Very Proud Mom of a Marine
Lynne

LT Simmons, Wendell R
4th LAR BN Alpha Company
2nd Platoon, Det A
Unit 40650
FPO AP 96427-0650

Please remember in your prayers the four young Marines and their families who were killed last week at the village Wendell is at. Let's pray there is no more losses.