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.
08:13
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Quick takeaways
- The disconnect between care packages and soldiers' actual needs highlights the superficial understanding of military life by the public.
- Veterans seek meaningful support and genuine acknowledgment of the war's impact rather than empty gestures like candy-filled boxes.
Deep dives
The Disconnect of Care Packages
Care packages sent to troops during the holiday season often did not meet the actual needs of service members, leading to a disconnection between intentions and realities. Many packages contained excessive snacks and personal items that were either unnecessary or already readily available on the bases. For instance, while some soldiers in remote locations were struggling with limited supplies, those in established bases enjoyed a surplus, resulting in most care goods ending up as waste. The sentiment behind these packages, such as handwritten notes thanking troops for their service, frequently felt hollow, raising questions about the American public’s understanding of the war's complexities and the troops' actual experiences.
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