Task Force Pickett Distributes Cold Weather Kits

Photo By Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Kangos, an electrician assigned to Task Force Pickett, stocks a shelf with cold weather supplies intended for Afghan guests at Fort Pickett, Virginia, Oct. 23, 2021. Task Force Pickett will be distributing over 70,000 articles of clothing with thousands of blankets and linen sets to help Afghan guests prepare for the upcoming winter months. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Zephir)  

FORT PICKETT, VA, UNITED STATES

11.01.2021

Story by 1st Lt. Jacob Sugg 

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)     

Task Force Pickett, alongside various nongovernmental organizations, collected over 11,000 cold weather kits that contain more than 70,000 articles of winter clothing to prepare Afghan evacuees for the upcoming winter months.

Many Afghan evacuees arrived at Fort Pickett with only the clothes on their backs. “With the temperature beginning to drop, it is essential Afghan evacuees receive proper clothing to keep everyone warm for the winter,” said Maj. Todd A. Hoyt, a logistics officer with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The cold weather gear can come from three sources, explained Hoyt. “We can procure it, get it through nongovernmental organization donations, or Defense Logistics Agency disposition services.”

Samaritans Purse, a charitable organization based out of North Carolina, donated the majority of the kits that are being distributed.

“We are motivated to show compassion and care to the Afghan evacuees during this challenging transition period, and ultimately to welcome them home,” said Ingrid Heres, the Samaritans Purse Team Lead. “This is a well-planned and coordinated effort with members from the Department of Defense.”

Afghan evacuees were individually sized before being provided the cold weather kits. “The sizing process is very important,” said Thomas Grove, a volunteer with Samaritans Purse. “If you have someone that needs a pair of boots or a jacket, you want to make sure it fits them properly so they can utilize the item they are being given.”

To Grove, this was an opportunity to give back and help those in need. “We have all been in need at one point in our lives, and we all deserve to be taken care of.”

The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2021
• Date Posted: 11.01.2021 09:53
• Story ID: 408423
• Location: FORT PICKETT, VA, US