Radio talk show host collecting treasures for the troops in Afghanistan

In less than a month, Charlie Thomas will be traveling to Afghanistan with the 203rd Engineering Battalion to deliver cards, letters and care packages to U.S. soldiers.

Thomas, KDRO radio morning show host, traveled to Iraq in 2006 to give soldiers support and supplies.
“It was something to show support and solidarity with the local troops,” Thomas said.

Since his trip to Iraq, Thomas has compiled a list of needed items for the troops. Things such as hot sauce to flavor foods, sporting equipment to help pass the time and lotion to battle the harsh weather conditions are all things troops have requested.

“It’s a pretty sobering experience,” Thomas said.

Thomas will spend his time in Afghanistan supporting the 304 troops with the Missouri National Guard.

“The primary mission of the 203rd is route clearance ... searching for IEDs along the side of the road,” Thomas said.

Some of the most important items are ChapStick, flavored drink mixes and snack items. Cards and letters are always a favorite. Thomas said even if you don’t know a soldier in Afghanistan, they enjoy hearing from people back home.

“As a citizen you can be opposed to or supportive of the war, but as an American there’s a certain obligation to support the troops,” Thomas said.

The final day to drop off items is Dec. 19. In previous years, nearly two tons of items have been shipped to troops.

WISH LIST ITEMS

Any type of chewing tobacco (keeps troops spitting so they are not swallowing sand) AA and AAA batteries, hot sauce, coffee and coffee filters in bulk, tea and hot cocoa mix, Ziploc bags in all sizes (especially little ones), air mattresses, twin bed bedding, Hickory Farms cheese and sausage, baby wipes, ChapStick and lotion, DVDs, CDs, books, magazines, puzzles, cards and card games, hand-held electronic games, Frisbees, sporting equipment, flavor packets for bottled water, jerky and nuts, hard candy, gum, M&M’s, razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, cards, letters and CamelBak brand elixir tablets.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Starline Inc., 1300 W. Henry St.

Sierra Bullets, 1400 W. Henry St.

Rick Ball Ford, 1700 W. Broadway Blvd.

Brian’s Gym, 1400 S. Limit Ave.

Mark’s Mobile Glass, 208 W. 2d St.

Otten Small Engine Services, 2617 E. Broadway Blvd.

Spencer Orthodontics, 1716 W. 11th St.

Rea Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1001 S. Limit Ave.

Bings, State Fair Shopping Center

North 65 Cafe, 22938 Highway 65

WK Chevrolet, 211 Thompson Road

Reed & Sons Jewelers, 825 Thompson Blvd.

Yeager’s Cycle Sales, 3001 S. Limit Ave.

Bichsel Jewelry, 770 Winchester Drive

Weller’s Mens Wear, Vincent’s Footwear & Apparel, Sears, 3117 W. Broadway Blvd.

Dugan’s Paint, 3103 Erika Ave.

Dick’s Honda Kawasaki, 5405 S. Limit Ave.

Vinson’s Pawn & Gun, 2700 S. Ingram Ave.

KDRO AM 1490, 301 E. Ohio Ave.