Soldiers need support, letters, soccer ball
It was bitter-sweet for Gail and Marissa Makovec Sunday afternoon as they welcomed Molly Holub home from Iraq.
Their son, Simon, currently is serving with a National Guard unit in Baghdad. The young soldier has been in Iraq since April and anticipates not returning home for a year.
Modern technology has helped this family cope with the absence of their only son. A webcam recently was purchased and installed in the family home by Gail. Simon has access to the Internet with a webcam.
"I wasn't sure if it was hooked up properly," Gail said, but it was and he knew immediately when Simon could see him.
"Simon's eyes got really big and a big smile came on his face," said the proud dad.
The family, which includes Shayna and Sheila, keep Simon informed of local news by sending the Marion County Record to him with other goodies from home.
"He's one of the lucky ones," Marissa said. "There are a lot of soldiers who don't receive anything (such as letters, magazines, or tokens of appreciation)."
The average person forgets the sacrifices military personnel are making while serving in Iraq, Marissa said.
"It's 150 degrees in the desert with 35 to 40 percent humidity," she explained. "They go to bed every night hearing guns and bombs, not knowing if they'll survive another day."
How to help
There are six Iraqi schools in the area that Simon patrols.
"These kids play soccer and need soccer balls," Marissa said.
Individuals or organizations who want to contribute new soccer balls may bring them to the Marion County Record office at 117 South Third Street, Marion. When a box is collected, they will be sent to Iraq.
The soldiers also could use magazines such as outdoors, cars, and hunting and generic-type letters.
Mail to other soldiers can be sent in care of Simon.
Simon's address is:
SPC Makovec, Simon L.
A Btry 1-125 FA (Strike)
CSC Scania
APO AE 09331
