Boots on the Ground

Dedicated to all veterans!

My name is Kim Hinson and I'm the daughter of a 20-year Marine Corps Veteran. My brother was also in the Corps for five years.

I enjoyed growing up on military bases with my family and have a profound respect and admiration for our veterans. Every day in America we get to make choices; where we want to live and work, what car to buy, where to go on vacation, what church to go to, and countless others we take for granted. The word choice means, "The power to choose." All of us have this power to choose BECAUSE OF SOLDIERS who have served since this great country was founded. We wouldn't have these freedoms if it wasn't for those who fought and still fight to keep it that way. We might not agree with the battles, but we need to give our soldiers the respect they deserve and thank any one who has served or is still serving.

For the past five years I have been cleaning out foreclosed homes. I recycle any metal left behind and then buy items to go in care packages for our soldiers. I was able to reach our troops through www.adoptaplatoon.org and www.anysoldier.com. These soldiers are so grateful for anything that comes from home.

Some of them are in such remote locations that supplies are drop-shipped to them. Some are risking their lives every day dodging bullets, land mines and hostiles and the smallest gift such as a card or cookies can brighten their day. They deserve our support for being there. I wish they didn't have to be there but as long as they are I don't want them to feel forgotten. We can help their morale with the simplest of items.

Our fathers, sons, husbands, wives and daughters are being killed or injured every day and what do they ask for? Candy, lip balm, fruit and other items we take for granted.

Basic things that we can just pull into a store and buy are things that are anticipated and hoped for every day such as gum, beef jerky, energy bars and baby wipes. Anyone can send a care package to a soldier or a platoon. The post office has flat rate boxes now that are very affordable. Small items such as travel size shampoo, peanuts, candy and a card would help lift any soldiers' spirits. Or if you'd like, I can pick up your goodies for free and send them for you. Please click on "Soldiers' Requests" at the top of this page to see what they would love to receive from us. Everyone who donates recycleable items or goodies, or just wants to show their support gets their photo taken with my "Support" signs which then goes on this website (click on "Photos of Supporters" at the top of this page). The soldiers LOVE to see pictures and are very grateful for our support!! Please click on "Contact Us" at the top if you'd like to call, text or email me.

I've given out many business cards and have received many recycleable items. It's been wonderful to meet the people who want to support our dear soldiers.

WHAT I RECYCLE

Car batteries, bbqs, sheds, lamps, microwaves, all appliances, chairs, lawn mowers, tables, golf clubs, swings, tools, nuts & bolts, pots/pans, bed frames, cars, RVs, pipes, any metal construction materials, tire rims, rebar, aluminum, steel, copper and everything in between.

A local fire dept training center donated several large metal containers and a huge shed they didn't need. EVERY PENNY I get from recycling goes directly to buy items for care packages as well as the postage to Afghanistan.

My trailer is full of metal and I was on my way to the recycler. That trip sent 22 care packages to our soldiers in Afghanistan. There are wonderful people like Tim & Barbara in Littleton who have given me dart boards, footballs, socks, shampoo, and instant soups and they keep giving! Russ & Judy have given books, all kinds of metal and Beanie Babies. Bless all their hearts!

I am so grateful for all the private organizations that support our soldiers. Our soldiers would have very little comforts if it wasn't for them and their faithful and tireless support.

FOR OUR SOLDIERS

For wearing the uniform, for standing guard,

For holding the line, for standing strong,

For fortitutde, for grit, for unyielding courage,

For being faithful, for standing for good,

For carrying the torch, for putting others first,

For staying so long, for holding onto to love,

For praying for peace, for fighting with honor,

For following orders, for following your heart,

For small victories, for great triumphs,

For pride in your heart, for cuts and bruises,

For hanging onto others, for letting go of tears,

For endless nights, for all your sacrifices,

For standing for liberty, for all our freedoms,

For those who have none, for your country,

For our families, for everyone you love...

With tears in our eyes and overflowing gratitude, we thank you for giving so much of yourselves so that we can live free.

"I am 19 years old and I'm from Colorado serving in Afghanistan. Our platoon received your care packages and wanted to thank you so much. We couldn't do our job over here without the support from people like you. Thank you so much, may God bless. You're an American hero doing something like this." PFC from CO

"I would like to express my appreciation for your generosity in support of the Marines and Sailors. Your personal commitment was incredibly helpful and allowed the Religious Ministry Team to stock the morale tent located on our compound. Your assistance means so much to me but even more to the troops. Thank you for your generosity."

Chaplain's Office...

My dad, pictured above with my mother and brother, received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Combat "V", a Purple Heart with 1 Silver Star, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Good Conduct Medal with Silver Star, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Star, a Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, a Republic of VietnamCampaign Medal, and also Rifle and Pistol Expert badges. He was a Military Policeman in Kinston, N.C., then we all went to Hawaii where he left in 1965 with the First Marine Brigade for combat duty in Vietnam where he was for one year. He was then transferred to Parris Island, S.C., where he underwent Drill Instructor training. Two years later he was again deployed to Vietnam where he was wounded and spent a month in a Naval Hospital in Guam. He then went back to Vietnam and completed his tour of duty. After that he was sent back to Parris Island, S.C., where he attended Recruiter School (or as the Marines call it, "Charm School"). We then moved to Miami, Florida (our home town) where he would be stationed as a Recruiter. One of his best perks there was being chosen as an escort for the Miss USA Beauty Contest! After two years as a Recruiter he was assigned to the Albany Supply Center in Albany, Georgia, where he retired after being in the Corps for 20 years. I'm so proud of my dad and how he served this country so unselfishly. I have many wonderful memories of him in his uniform and my mom standing so proudly next to him. My precious mother has lovingly been a proud Marine wife for over 50 years. I am so blessed to have my parents in my life and to have been brought up as the child of a Marine.