Photo By Capt. Maria Mengrone | CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- A retired Florida school teacher has sent nearly 100 pillowcases...... read more read more
Spc. Maria Mengrone
Task Force Baghdad PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq " A retired Florida schoolteacher wants Task Force Baghdad Soldiers to have sweet dreams"or, at the very least, lay their heads on brightly-colored pillows each night.
Many people back in the U.S. do whatever they can to help Soldiers cope with a deployment by sending care packages and letters of thanks and appreciation.
Debbie Leslie of Clearwater, Fla., however, has found a unique way of sharing her gratitude for Soldiers serving in Iraq through her handmade pillowcases.
"It's so little for me to do, especially if it brings the thought of home and that someone is thinking of them, thanking them, and praying for their safe return," Leslie said.
She spends her free time as a member of a local quilt guild and through her skilled craft finds the time and energy to send batches of pillowcases to Soldiers serving in Iraq.
"I thought the pillowcases sounded like a good idea, so I got the pattern and made some to include in a care package," she said.
The 71-year-old grandmother of two has close ties to the military because her son is currently serving in the U.S. Navy. Her experience as a military mom gives her an insight into the sacrifices military personnel make each day.
Using her own creative genius, Leslie has found various ways to package her pillowcases by using different themes and patterns.
"Most were patriotic, but she also added some patterns that would appeal to females more than males," said Sgt. Robert J. Mayo, operational law non-commissioned officer in charge with Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.
Mayo said when the pillowcases arrived they were popular with the troops and "were gone in no time."
"I realized there were some NASCAR fans in our group, so I asked her if she could make a couple of NASCAR pillowcases and she was more than happy to make them," Mayo said.
During the course of the deployment, Leslie has sent nearly 100 pillowcases in five separate shipments.
"Everyone I have shown the pillowcases to has loved them," Mayo said. "A lot of Soldiers want to get more than one pillowcase."
Leslie's creative and distinctive way of showing her appreciation for Soldiers in Iraq, especially those serving in the 3rd Inf. Div, has garnered much reciprocated appreciation from the troops.
Soldiers who have "met" Leslie through electronic or regular mail admit they can't help but maintain a standing friendship with her.
However seemingly small her contribution, her pillowcase project proves that kindness, concern, and selfless gestures go a long way in boosting a Soldier's morale.
| Date Taken: | 12.12.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 12.12.2005 12:13 |
| Story ID: | 4031 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 243 |
| Downloads: | 33 |
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