Kevin's New Wheelchair

I have to give credit for the idea to my wife honestly... pure genius. I don't know why I didn't think of it myself (Will said he thought the same exact thing). Either way... here goes:

Heather and another soldier SPC DJ Woodburn were talking (on instant messenger) yesterday after I had gone to sleep and among the items for discussion was the idea to take up donations for Kevin (previously named X). I originally wanted to further protect his identity... but it also struck me that "Kevin" is an American name he adopted for himself. Many of the interpreters that work with us adopt American aliases such as: Washington (this guy picked his after our first President and forefather), Kevin (named after the first American friend he got close to), and many others.

Anyway... the idea originally spawned as an effort to get just enough collected to cover the cost and shipping of a REAL wheelchair for Kevin. This would help him out a great deal considering he is currently having to sit in a fold up "MAC" lawn chair and have two of his buddies carry him around. This not only is impractical but the initial jolt causes him a great deal of discomfort and pain not to mention he can't travel very far because his taxi's get tired.

We aren't looking into anything too extravagant, nothing motorized, no gold 50 spoke Dayton rims, or wood grain arm rests. Just a plain Jane, black and aluminum, big wheels in the back (for the bumpy terrain) practical wheelchair.

Now we have found one that is practically priced at 120 plus shipping and we already have that covered for the most part just from small donations of 5 and 10 dollars from fellow soldiers. Like I said, He was very well liked, unfortunately we are in a time constraint considering we are scheduled to leave around the end of the year (vague for operation security reasons) and with Kevin's disabilities he can't make frequent trips to the base, although I suspect if we asked him he'd do whatever it took to honor our friendship. He takes our friendship VERY seriously.

What we've moved on to is expanding our donating power quickly with the use of our blogs and popularity of supporting bloggers in hopes to amass enough to maybe get Kevin a few more of the necessary items that aren't readily available. Among the list of items are medical supplies, clothing, personal hygiene items and the list will expand if we can afford to expand it.
I set up a paypal donation account to make it painless for those of you can make a contribution. Those of you who cant thank you for your gesture of thought and keep our buddy Kevin in your prayers.

Okay well sorry to be soooo long winded... I know I do it every time. If you're still with me and interested in helping out here yah go.

(I've removed the link by request of my commanding officers and JAG)
Just click SEND MONEY, Recipient's Email: david.macdonell@us.army.mil , Any category of purchase. Please include your email and a brief description if you can I will be sending out an email or a link to my update blog after we give Kevin the gifts. Click Continue and go from there.

We aren't asking for a fortune, just an avenue for altruism. If you have any questions feel free to email me: dhmacdonell@hotmail.com or leave a comment on this blog. I will be posting up many pictures of the event and all the dollars will be accounted for with items and receipts if ANYONE feels the need to request verification. I will be taking out a "casual pay" military pay advance as well as Will Whitley for the things that we can get him here and in Baghdad. All other items will be purchased online or by one of our wives back in the States and shipped in. If you have any personal requests or gift ideas please feel free to drop that on me as well and we will make arrangements for them to be delivered with your dedication. Thanks folks.

"The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity." -Francis Maitland Balfour