Operation Care's effort to help

Published Sept. 6, 2009
By Spc. Opal Hood
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Many service members deployed in Afghanistan and many of the Afghan people are at extremely remote places throughout the country that do not have basic accommodations.

Operation Care is an organization on Bagram Air-Field that receives donations of hygiene items, clothing, toys and comfort items for the troops and people of these places.

"Operation Care is important because both groups (Afghans and Soldiers) don't have a lot in some places," said Michael DeNovo, the president of Operation Care.

According to Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Kurtz, superintendent of utilities shop here on Bagram, donations are recieved from the chaplain's office, people back in the United States and military personnel who are redeploying.

"Operation Care is an all-volunteer organization that was established to support the troops and to benefit the people of Afghanistan by providing them with aid and comfort in terms of clothing, basic supplies, school supplies and hygiene items," said Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Anderson, 755th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron.

Operation Care volunteers meet three times a week to organize and pack donated items. After the boxes are filled, they are brought to a flatbed truck and shipped to outlying forward operation bases throughout Afghanistan, or to be distributed to local nationals who work here.

According to Kurtz, a platoon of Soldiers went out on a routine mission in a nearby town and insurgents had set up an ambush for the Soldiers. A little boy of the town, who had received a toy from an organization similar to Operation Care just days before, heard of the ambush and told his father, who then warned the troops.

"If one toy can save that many lives, I think it is totally worth the effort on our part," said Kurtz.

To receive or donate items, troops can stop by the Operation Care building Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., behind the Enduring Faith Chapel.

Clothing and toy donations need to be in a good, serviceable condition. Clothing of all sizes and for all ages is welcome. Men's clothing and shoes are needed most for the local nationals, said DeNovo.

"It makes me feel good to give back and help those who need it," Denovo said. "I have everything I need here."