Things That Go Boom Monologues (The War Horse Sessions): The Reason Why Soldiers’ Christmas Care Packages Wind Up in the Trash
Dec 23, 2024
Andrew McCormick, a former U.S. Navy Intelligence Officer, shares his poignant experiences of receiving holiday care packages while deployed in Kandahar. He highlights the emotional turmoil soldiers face during the holiday season, juxtaposing festive cheer with the harsh realities of combat. McCormick critiques the mismatch between soldiers' needs and the generic items sent from home, urging for a more thoughtful connection to truly support those in the field. His reflections expose the often-overlooked military-civilian divide in understanding wartime experiences.
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Many Care Packages Landed in Trash
- Soldiers received hundreds of generic care packages during the 2013 Kandahar Christmas deployment.
- Most boxes ended up in the trash as troops were already well supplied and found contents often irrelevant or redundant.
Care Packages Show Civilian-Military Divide
- Care packages symbolized the disconnect between Americans and the realities of post-9/11 wars.
- The troops needed genuine public interest and accountability more than candy and hygiene kits.
Comfy Bases Did Not Ensure Success
- Bases had surprisingly comfortable amenities like steak nights and flat-screen TVs.
- Excessive comfort did not translate to success, as unclear missions and eventual Taliban victories persisted.