Medical toy drive brings comfort to Afghan children Published Nov. 12, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- What child wouldn't love getting a toy? American children can peruse the many toy store aisles; however, needy children across the world don't always have this opportunity. The 22nd Medical Group brought some children a bit of comfort when they held a toy drive and shipped gifts to children at two Afghani medical centers in October. Their actions spawned from excerpts in an e-mail journal sent to staff members at McConnell's medical group from Master Sgt. David Webber, 22nd Medical Operations Squadron, deployed to Afghanistan. Sergeant Webber's daily routines of working as a mental health specialist didn't prepare him for a moment's notice, mass casualty radio call caused by an improvised explosive device detonation. "Eight children came through the door in urgent care; blast injuries from shrapnel, some in need of multiple amputations and sadly, two children with fatal injuries," said Sergeant Webber. Though two children died, the medical teams treated, stabilized and helped save the lives of the remaining children. Conflicted by both heartbreaking and successful outcomes of the event, he shared his stories with the medical group staff at McConnell. "This story tore at my heart," said Master Sgt. Carissa Parker, 22nd Medical Support Squadron. "Something had to be done to offer some sort of comfort, no matter how minute, for these children who have been thrown into the midst of war." The medical group sprinted into action and held a toy drive within the clinic where staff members donated more than 180 stuffed animals and toys. "The outcome was phenomenal," said Sergeant Parker. "One staff member was so touched, she brought about 50 toys after lunch on the first day." Other staff members brought in stuffed animals their children specifically picked out for the injured children, she said. Before the end of the first day, Sergeant Parker had four, full bags of toys to mail. She said the compassionate people in the medical group never fail to provide. The clinic shipped boxes to Sergeant Webber and to medical technician, Tech. Sgt. Gerard Hammond, also deployed from the 22nd MDOS, to an intensive care ward, also serving in Afghanistan. Toys may seem like an abundant commodity in the US, but they are rare in Afghanistan. "Money is scarce," said Sergeant Webber. "When the families get money, it is used for food and textiles for clothing. Here, toys are something that can be made from scraps of items that are thrown away, not something that is purchased for the express purpose of play." Both deployed sergeants agree the Afghani children reacted with joy and laughter. "You can't help but get attached to the kids and adults", said Sergeant Hammond. "The adults especially are very appreciative." "It is difficult to describe the feeling of kneeling down in front of a child and sharing warm smile as you pat them on the shoulder and place a pair of sandals in front of them, or you hand them clothes or a toy," Sergeant Webber said. Sergeants Webber and Hammond said they are compelled to continue sharing their deployed experiences openly with their colleagues serving stateside. "I know our leaders and colleagues worry about us, think about us and want the best for us," said Sergeant Hammond. "Leadership wants to know and needs to know what we are exposed to physically, emotionally and spiritually." "At times it seems my interactions are as minuscule as a blade of grass, however over time when you begin to add those single blades of grass up, it will make a field," said Sergeant Webber. In this particular case, the medical group made a field full of smiles, hugs and plush toys, giving moments of comfort, cheer and memories to children in need.