Holiday Packages Reach Troops In Most Remote Parts of Afghanistan

A small remote combat outpost in Eastern Afghanistan received a large shipment of care packages earlier this year. All 46 boxes came from the same address in small town Georgia that no one had recognized.

"We still have fellows over there and we still have gals over there, and they need to know that we're still thinking about them and that they're not alone," said Dr. Tim Annis, a chiropractor in Dawsonville, Ga.

Dr. Annis' office, with the help of his patients, has been sending packages to troops overseas for five years. The latest shipment was intended for U.S. Army Pfc. Jim Hutchins, the nephew of one of Dr. Annis' co-workers. But when Hutchins received the shipment at Camp Clark, a large base in Eastern Afghanistan, he forwarded them along to an area that needed the supplies most.

CBS News was there when that remote combat outpost received the packages. Candy bars, baby wipes and coffee were among the most coveted items.

Constant rocket attacks force the men to live in bunkers. With a spotty Internet connection, the magazines and movies sent from Georgia are the troops' sole source of entertainment.

Dr. Annis' motivation is simple, "In an area that they get shelled, they get missiled, they have to watch out for their lives every day," he explained. "And now they can actually open a little candy bar at night and know that we're thinking about them."

And for the troops stationed there, these small gifts show them that the American public supports them. With limited news from home and mixed messages coming from politicians, the soldiers say the tangible messages in the form of care packages help morale among the front line troops.

Watch CBS News' Don Lee's piece featured on Wednesday's "Washington Unplugged" above.

"Washington Unplugged" airs live daily at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBSNews.com.

[RobAla]

I am glad that the mail reached the troops for the holidays. Now we need to figure out why so many states have such a problem in mailing absentee ballots to troops in time for an election. Maybe we already know, and the thoughts of robbing these men and women of their Constitutional right to vote is horrible. It is sickening that it is not a priority of some states to have the votes counted of those willing to risk their lives for the nation on a daily basis. These votes should be ensured first.

[jgg000101]

absolutely.

[stn_sage]

This country does so little for it's veterans, I'd hope at least they'd see that the veterans get their mail!