Michael Davidson

First off, I would like to thank everyone for sending over letters and care packages - they were all truly appreciated and have done wonders in increasing the quality of life for both the soldiers and sailors that I have the privilege of working with. More importantly all of the care packages that you all sent for the Afghan people have, simply put, changed lives!

It has been an eventful couple of months since arriving here - I have been privileged to see some of this country and I am happy to say that our presence here is truly making a difference. Something as simple as kite flying which was outlawed during the reign of the Taliban has begun to make a resurgence. Knowing the history of it, when you look out at the surrounding area and you see the sky dotted with colorful kites it takes your breath away. The people of Afghanistan are very warm but difficult to get to know - probably due to the language barrier and years of oppression. However, I have been able to make several friends here and I enjoy learning about their culture, families and sharing stories with them.

My greatest achievement here has been what I occupy my "down-time"with. After arriving in this country, myself and a Navy Lieutenant (Joe) who had gone through training with me were thinking of how we at the individual level could make a difference. We came up with the idea of writing home and asking our friends to send over boxes of school supplies, clothes, toys, whatever. The town where Joe grew up capitalized on the idea and the whole school system got behind it. I found several websites and began posting a list of things that we could use. Our little idea spread like wildfire and to date we have received over 1,000 pounds of items from all of your generous donations.


Joe and I have partnered with a unit here that goes out on humanitarian missions and we load them up every time they go outside the wire on a meeting with the local village elders. Additionally, we have made great friends at a local Egyptian Hospital that cares for women and children. We try to get there at least once a week and hand out what we can to the people. What is really sad and should be noted that a lot of these people have had to uproot their families and move across the country looking for a better way of life. They have so little and even a pair of socks can change their lives. As the temperatures drop in our area items like hats and mittens have comforted hundreds of children and women. For my Beanie Baby partners out there – your generous gifts brought smiles to every child that received them.

I just wanted to pass along what I have been doing here and not dwell on the bad things that happen here every day. Three months down - three to go.

. . I hope this note finds you all doing well and enjoying the New Year with those that you love. In closing, THANK YOU for all of your most generous support.

Yours humbly,

Michael Davidson
LCDR, USN

P.S. All the letters that accompanied the packages mean a lot - it reminds of us of how much support we who serve have from the people of our country.

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