SOCKS FOR SOLDIERS

OCW sponsors ‘Socks for Soldiers’
The American Legion - March 30, 2010

Recently, Operation Comfort Warriors worked with American Legion Emblem Sales to send 800 more pairs of wool socks to Afghanistan to keep wounded and ill servicemembers' feet warm in the field medical stations.

The socks cost about $6,000 and are made from SmartWool, which regulates foot temperature and reduces moisture to keep feet dry and comfortable. They won't shrink like other wool socks or harbor odors like synthetics do.

"I just wanted to let you know what a great job you have done," wrote Danielle Mantua, assistant station manager with the American Red Cross in Washington. "We have your socks at both the ICU and the CACF (triage holding unit). We also put them in the comfort kits that we use every day."

Three weeks ago, The American Legion sent 200 pair of these socks to troops in Afghanistan and, according to feedback the Legion received, the socks are providing incredible comfort for troops in military hospitals and on medevac flights, where temperatures tend to be rather frigid.

OCW provides direct assistance to patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior-transition units in the form of comfort items and other goods that are not normally purchased through government channels. In 2009, The American Legion family, including the Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion, raised more than $300,000 for our wounded heroes. In years past, we have provided items such as sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronics, books and calling cards for wounded servicemembers.